Henderson, Nev. More than 2,500 visitors joined in the festivities Oct. 13 for the inaugural Henderson Festival of Cultures hosted by the City of Henderson’s Department of Cultural Arts & Tourism and Nevada State College.
The fair, which took place at the Henderson Events Plaza located at 200 S. Water Street in the Water Street District in Downtown Henderson represented cultures from around the world, including those from countries such as Mexico, Morocco, Thailand, Peru and Ukraine, and featured a variety of cultural experiences, including live performances by musicians and dancers; exhibits and booths; and world cuisine presented by area restaurants and food vendors.
Originally known as the Nevada State College Scorpion Heritage Festival, a college-wide celebration of cultures, this is the event’s first year as a community-wide festival.
The turnout from Saturday’s event shows us that the community continues to both want and need cultural events such as this one, and we are looking forward to turning it into an anticipated annual event, said Dr. Rene Cantu, Vice-President of Multicultural Affairs at Nevada State College.
The fair also included a Beers of the World Garden sponsored by Lee’s Discount Liquor. Proceeds from the beer garden were donated to Lee’s Helping Hands, which funds several local charities, and the Nevada State College Heritage Center, which offers students, faculty and staff with opportunities to participate in programs and activities that celebrate the Henderson community’s diversity.
A contest to design next year’s Henderson Festival of Cultures poster was also part of the contest and was won by students Madison Dell, Abigail Cintron, Genevieve Vargas and Justice Dixey.
Nevada State College opened its doors to students in September 2002 after the Nevada Board of Regents and Nevada State Legislature determined the need for enhanced educational opportunities in Southern Nevada in 1997. The college currently enrolls 2,200 students.
Nevada State College provides progressive bachelors programs in several in-demand fields of study. Nevada State College offers a low student-to-professor ratio and competitive tuition rates.
For more information about Heritage Center events at Nevada State College, call 702-990-2142 or visit nsc.edu.
The Department of Cultural Arts and Tourism is dedicated to create and promote innovative and vibrant events that celebrate diverse cultural arts, involve and enrich the community and enhance tourism. The Department of Cultural Arts & Tourism provides a broad range of cultural and artistic opportunities for our community through the sponsorship of concerts, performances, visual arts exhibits, festivals and civic events at various locations throughout the city of Henderson.
The Henderson Pavilion, Henderson Convention Center, Henderson Amphitheatre and Henderson Events Plaza are all managed by the Department of Cultural Arts and Tourism.
For additional information on our programs and entertainment, please call: 702.267.2171. Office hours: are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
For more information on Nevada State College, call: 702.992.2000 or visit: www.nsc.edu.