McHenry Community High School is showcasing cultures from around the world at the school’s first-ever Multicultural Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 6 at Upper Campus in McHenry.
The free event will feature more than 30 different vendors offering authentic food, performances and activities from different parts of the world. Some of the entertainment includes McNulty Irish Dancers, a Chinese school, a quinceañera fashion show, bilingual authors, cultural music from Potts and Pans band, and more.
There will also be food and items for sale from a variety of vendors to highlight a variety of cuisine, including Filipino, Mexican, Honduran and more.
“We’ve got a good mix,” said Kelsey Podgorski, assistant director of multilingual education for McHenry High School District 156.
Many high school clubs and organizations will be providing activities and entertainment, including LASO (Latin American Student Organization), German Honor Society, Art Honor Society, Key Club and more. The MCHS Band will also be performing music highlighting different cultures.
Podgorski said she hopes the event provides participants with a special view of the many cultures in the U.S. She got the idea from her teaching days when classes would study immigration. She’s also modeling it after a similar Culture Blast at Central High School in Burlington.
It all takes place in the main gym, cafeteria, and the hallway between at McHenry High School - Upper Campus, 4724 W. Crystal Lake Road, McHenry.
The following is a list of some of the participating businesses and organizations.
Restaurants/Food Trucks
Fork N Fry Mobile Poutinerie
Pupusitas Express
The Lumpia Lady
Restaurante Hondureno Bustillo
Mario's Cart
El Vado
Reggie's on Wheels
Stix and Noodles
Vendors
LG Custom Creations
Sisters Creations
Aracely's Rosas Eternas
Silvia's Boutique Artesanal
Bata Omnis Crafts
Nikki Stitches Crochet
Tozi Transformation
The Blooming Traveler
Poppy Farms
Andsay Goods
Mabelmagsbags
Marxel Pinatas
Hemp Club Jewelry
Performance/Musical Contribution
McNulty Irish Dancers
Zumba exercise
LASO quinceañera fashion show
Cultural tunes from MCHS band
Migdalia Hernandez Family (Mexican zapateado)