Tyler Junior College will celebrate its 30th annual International and Passport Day next week, offering students an up-close look at cultures around the world through music, dance, art and food.
The event will be held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, in the Apache Rooms of Rogers Student Center on the TJC main campus. Admission is free, and the day will include free food, drinks and door prizes.
The U.S. Post Office will also have a table offering opportunities for visitors to apply for or renew their U.S. passports.
International Day is held in conjunction with TJC’s Arts Festival, an annual monthlong celebration of TJC’s fine and performing arts programs. For a complete schedule of events, go to TJC.edu/ArtsFestival.
Countries and states represented during International Day activities include: Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Cameroon, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Holland, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Louisiana, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Texas, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, the United States of America, and others.
This year’s guests of honor will be Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran and Mrs. Mary Hudson, a 1958 TJC alumna and the mother of longtime member of the TJC Board of Trustees, David Hudson.
Throughout the day, performances will include the following: Songs of Israel, “Mi Son” Salsa dance, “Paper Moon” Swing dance, Sirtaki (Greek Dance), Indian Rajasthani folk dance, Lavani Folk Dance of Maharashtra, Middle Eastern, Latin, contemporary dances, African tribal dances, a magic show, hula hoop and yoga demonstrations, and Musica Latina. The TJC Apache Pan Steel Drum Ensemble will also perform.
A fashion show will feature native dress from countries such as Spain, China, Mexico, Iran, Scotland, Costa Rica, Egypt, India, Turkey, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand.
For more information on International Day, go to TJC.edu/InternationalDay.