World trading route festival to occupy Slant Walk in April
Katherine Sawma
Issue date: 3/24/06 Section: Campus
On April 26 the Slant Walk will become more than a short cut from High Street to academic quad, as Miami University's Havighurst Center for Russian and Post-Soviet Studies will sponsor "Silk Road on the Slant Walk," a festival honoring the longest and oldest of the Old World's trading routes.
From 3-7 p.m., patrons will have the opportunity to explore the language, culture and food of countries along the route as presented by student organizations, uptown vendors and various Miami educational divisions.
"On campus, there isn't an emphasis on this part of the world and we are trying to increase that emphasis," said Lynn Stevens, the program coordinator. "I think it will make (students) aware of histories and countries that aren't typically familiar to them."
The Havighurst Center is working with student groups to bring activities such as jewelry making, tai-chi and yoga to the festival. Groups interested in participating can be accommodated by the Havighurst Center as long as the group relates to countries along the Silk Road trade route.
"Student groups often have their own budgets but we have said we can provide a limited amount of assistance so they can participate," Stevens said.
Uptown businesses have agreed to decorate their storefronts, and restaurants like Kona Bistro have agreed to add specialty ethnic items to their menus on the day of the event, according to information provided by the university. Students will be able to use their meal plans to purchase food provided by Miami food services.
King Library will display relevant books that students can check out at the event, and throughout the month of April Lane Public Library will provide activities to advocate familiarity with the Silk Road.
To encourage participation in all aspects of the event, patrons will receive a "passport" to be stamped at each Slant Walk or uptown venue. Filled passports will be entered in a prize drawing.
Students can form teams of two or three and enter in a Jeopardy tournament to take place on the day of the event; the winners will receive a $500 per team member prize. Questions will pertain to countries along the route including Turkey, Russia, Pakistan and Afghanistan
"The goal of this and all Havighurst events is to raise awareness to students," said Karen Dawisha, director of the Havighurst Center.
To join the five student groups already committed, including The Model Arab League and the Russian League, student organizations are instructed to notify The Havighurst Center by Thursday.
From 3-7 p.m., patrons will have the opportunity to explore the language, culture and food of countries along the route as presented by student organizations, uptown vendors and various Miami educational divisions.
"On campus, there isn't an emphasis on this part of the world and we are trying to increase that emphasis," said Lynn Stevens, the program coordinator. "I think it will make (students) aware of histories and countries that aren't typically familiar to them."
The Havighurst Center is working with student groups to bring activities such as jewelry making, tai-chi and yoga to the festival. Groups interested in participating can be accommodated by the Havighurst Center as long as the group relates to countries along the Silk Road trade route.
"Student groups often have their own budgets but we have said we can provide a limited amount of assistance so they can participate," Stevens said.
Uptown businesses have agreed to decorate their storefronts, and restaurants like Kona Bistro have agreed to add specialty ethnic items to their menus on the day of the event, according to information provided by the university. Students will be able to use their meal plans to purchase food provided by Miami food services.
King Library will display relevant books that students can check out at the event, and throughout the month of April Lane Public Library will provide activities to advocate familiarity with the Silk Road.
To encourage participation in all aspects of the event, patrons will receive a "passport" to be stamped at each Slant Walk or uptown venue. Filled passports will be entered in a prize drawing.
Students can form teams of two or three and enter in a Jeopardy tournament to take place on the day of the event; the winners will receive a $500 per team member prize. Questions will pertain to countries along the route including Turkey, Russia, Pakistan and Afghanistan
"The goal of this and all Havighurst events is to raise awareness to students," said Karen Dawisha, director of the Havighurst Center.
To join the five student groups already committed, including The Model Arab League and the Russian League, student organizations are instructed to notify The Havighurst Center by Thursday.
