Westwood Elementary Multicultural Fair Takes Hundreds 'Round the World

In just 20 minutes, David Garrett “traveled” to 21 different countries.

The fourth grader was among the many children who visited booths that represented other countries during Multicultural Fair on Friday.

Each child received a passport to get stamped at the booths they visited. The booklet included a variety of facts about the countries, from currency to religion.

“I think it’s a fun experience learning about all the countries that have information about them,” David said. “It’s a good thing to know what the school is like. They might even give you information on how people might like to be treated and what they’re used to.”

The fair, which was sponsored by Westwood’s PTA, featured booths that offered a craft, game or food sample, as well as a poster board and other items to inform attendees about the diverse cultures. Parents and other family members volunteered to manage the booths.

Jessica Moore, whose daughter is in second grade at Westwood, helped coordinate some of the performances and managed the Mexico booth.

“It shows how multicultural the school is, which is one of my favorite things about this school,” Moore said. "It also shows all the parent involvement.”

Moore hoped her daughter gained “pride of where she comes from.”

“She is half Irish and half Mexican, so culture is a big deal for us,” Moore said. "She is surrounded by every shade of color.”

In addition to the booths, there were multiple cultural performances, including traditional Filipino, Indian, Irish and Mexican dance, as well as Japanese martial arts. First graders sang songs about diversity and fifth graders played instruments. There was also a stage version of the television show Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

Fifth-grade student Kicha Mabene performed in an orchestra ensemble and also participated in Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

“It’s very interesting,” Kicha said about the fair. “I think it’s awesome.”

Kicha also visited the booths and liked that the Japan booth was accepting donations for Japan's earthquake and tsunami relief effort.

“They’re really devastated right now,” she said. “It would be hard to rebuild everything if they didn’t have the money.”

The fair also featured the “Forest of Families”—pictures of all the students and their families in the hallway to show and celebrate Westwood’s diversity.

“The kids are so excited, and they look so beautiful,” said Mary Olvera, who has a granddaughter in third grade at Westwood. “I think it teaches them respect for different cultures.”

Many children and family members arrived to the school in cultural clothing.

“I see a lot of pride in not only the people who are doing the booth, but the students who are related to the booth representatives,” Multicultural Fair Co-Chair Melissa Montanez said. 

This is the second year the PTA has hosted the fair.

Last year, Montanez and fourth grade teacher Christine Cloutier organized the first fair. More than 400 people showed up to visit the 15 booths last year, Cloutier said. They were both happy with the turnout this year, too.

“Because we have more countries, I would say the turnout is even better,” Montanez said.

David, the fourth grader, said he had fun at both fairs and is excited to come again next year. 

“Last year, I remember I had a lot of fun,” he said. “I’m realizing every year they change something about it.”