Foods of All Nations

2004 Event Sponsored by Toward Community: Unity in Diversity & Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center Foods of All Nations event, to be held outdoors in downtown Appleton on Saturday, September 18 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Authentic foods from over 20 different nationalities and regions will be available, along with an afternoon-long program of music and dance provided by local performers and groups. Admission to the Foods of All Nations event is $7 at the gate, and $6 for seniors, students or advance tickets. Children age 6 and under are free. Tickets are available through the Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center, 128 N. Oneida, Appleton, 428-2875, at Harmony Café, and through other area multicultural organizations. This is the seventh annual Foods of All Nations event, which this year is being co-hosted by the new Multicultural Center along with founder Toward Community: Unity in Diversity. Valley Transit is offering 25 cent fares on Saturday, September 18 to encourage people to take the bus to the event, which will be held outdoors right across the street from the Valley Transit Center. Washington Street between Appleton and Morrison will be blocked off for the event.

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FoaN 2000: 550 share feast, fashion and friends at third annual Foods of All Nation 
--written by Scott Peeples 

As expected, Toward Community's annual "Foods of All Nations" served up wonderful ethnic dishes, resplendent costumes, fanciful dancing and a rare opportunity to meet people from a multitude of cultures now found in the Fox Valley. Over 550 people attended the third annual event held Oct. 28 at Menasha High School. Ram Shet presided over the most successful food fest to date. 

Originating in 1998, the event was chaired admirably by Ana Maria Valdez Ortiz its first two years.  Strolling through the school cafeteria, on this Saturday one could dine on Native American wild rice, potato casserole from Africa, chole from India and an array of Kurdish dishes, to name just a few of 17 cultures which had dishes represented. 

Once seated, the diverse array of faces were entertained by dancers from India, Nicaragua and Haiti. There were Native American dancers, Kurdish dancers and Ballet Folklorica, a Mexican dance troupe that dazzled the crowd by clashing sharp swords together during one number. One of the day's highlights was Debra Glasheen's polka demonstration. She whipped into high gear with an impromptu swirl across the stage with dance partner Joe Laux, the Menasha Mayor who co-chaired the festival. 

New to this year's festival was a fashion show, showcasing the sartorial best of 10 nations. Several participants walked with such confidence and flair one would have thought they were professional models.  Master of Ceremonies Kavita Shet narrated the show and enlightened the crowd on the happenings on stage throughout the four hour event. 

Kudos to all the wonderful cooks, several of whom donated food items. Thanks also to Ram Shet and the planning committee, the performers and the folks from Menasha High School, who made sure we had everything we needed.  We hope you don't have to wait until next year to taste a Kofta Kabab or a heaping helping of turnip greens, but if you do, Foods of All Nations 2001 is but a year away.