Biggest Crowds Ever Make Cultural Fair Huge Success

The people came early, and they stayed long. From the opening patriotic numbers by the Day Care Children to the closing song. “This Land Is Your Land,” by faculty and staff members, Vance-Granville Community College’s Cultural Fair on Feb. 28 enjoyed big crowds.

This was the 4th annual fair sponsored by the college’s Cultural Enhancement Committee to expose students, staff and the community to a variety of cultures from around the world. Helen Lindsey, director of Student Support Services and chairperson of the Cultural Enhancement Committee, said the numbers of people attending the five-hour event in the Civic Center were the largest in the fair’s history.

Those attending the Cultural Fair enjoyed music ranging from truly American, like songs by a Henderson barbershop quartet, to Spanish songs performed by a quartet of area Hispanic citizens. Native American Bob Raven told tales of the land, Roy West played the harp, and Detroit Yancey played piano and sang gospel music. In addition to the Day Care Center children, a group called Royalty from Dabney Elementary School sang a series of songs.

Twice as many vendors and exhibitors set up displays as have in past Cultural Fairs. The Spanish students of Margaret Chaves had a large display, which was tremendously popular with the tacos and other foods they served. The Criminal Justice Club’s table featured a jar of pickled pig’s feet, which was cleaned out by taste-testers, and VGCC international students set up an interesting display.

Nationally known American primitive artist Ruth Russell Williams of Henderson displayed her paintings, and area artist Nancye Knott exhibited her creations. Lelia Brigham, who has taught art classes at VGCC about 30 years, showed her paintings and painted to order for customers. Maria Bailey, dean of Student Services, and Marketing secretary Copper Rain displayed and sold their clay creations. Lydia Powell, psychology program head/instructor, displayed items from Nicaragua.

Other vendors sold jewelry, ceramics, personalized containers, skin care products, and many other items.

Fair organizers fed attendees with a wide variety of cultural and ethnic foods.

Helen Lindsey thanked all those who helped plan and implement Cultural Fair 2002 and said her committee is already looking forward to a bigger and better fair next year. 

In the first photo, Logan Williamson, 4, portrays Uncle Sam as the Day Care Center youngsters sing patriotic songs to open Cultural Fair 2002.