International Banquet, Chinese New Year Packs the TSC Like Never Before

By Stevie Stewart in the Hard News Café

March 25, 2007 | A mixture of ethnic foods filled the Taggart Student Center with a warm, sweet aroma Saturday night [March 24] at the Annual International Banquet and Chinese New Year Celebration.

 

The International Student Council and Chinese Students and Scholars Association held this year's banquet and Chinese New Year Celebrations together for the time.

 

International Student Council President Amrith Gardihewa, a student from India, said the events were merged to save both organizations money.

 

"Obviously it was a good idea," Gardihewa said during the event. "The ballroom is packed."

 

According to Gardihewa, nearly 400 people were served food from the diverse buffet that was prepared by USU Food Services. The buffet served dishes from eight regions of the world.

 

"We are so impressed. The food is so good and does our countries such justice, it's very authentic," said Gardihewa.

 

Many of those attending the banquet were from throughout Cache Valley's international communities. Those old and young, students and simply residents, came for the food and some just for the entertainment. From dancing and singing to a very diverse and extravagant fashion show, entrants came in groves to enjoy the festivities.

 

The robes, kimonos, headwear, jewelry and makeup gave students from abroad as well as from the United States a chance to celebrate and appreciate the traditional attire of other nations.

 

Hillary Kubota, a 9-year-old Logan resident, attended the celebration with her mother, Kim. Hillary said the beautiful silk robe she wore was a gift from her grandmother in Japan. Kim said this is an opportunity for her daughter to learn and appreciate her culture.

 

"I am not a student. I just work in Logan," said Kim. "I jump at the chance to show my daughter where we come from because there are not many chances here for her to see."