8 cultures offer dance, singing, fashions

By Murray Bishoff Special to the Monett Monthly

Drury University, Monett Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Monett partnered to create an inaugural Culture and Community Event. 

The Multicultural Fair was held on Oct. 18 at the First United Methodist Church in Monett. 

The event took place on a rainy Saturday and was relocated to the First United Methodist Church for shelter from the weather. Mayor Randy Burke opened the event with an official greeting. 

The four-hour event featured eight different cultures represented through dance and singing performances, runway showcases, and displays. 

The cultures represented at the event were Hakha Chin from Myanmar; Karenni from Myanmar; Karen from Myanmar; Nepal; Guatemala; Mexico; the Philippines; and Hmong, which was represented twice by two different groups. 

“Each group proudly took the stage and turned the event into something beautiful,” said Jasmine Canales, one of the organizers with Drury. “We can say that the first Culture & Community Event exceeded our expectations. We knew it was going to be a great event, but underestimated how beautiful it would turn out to be.”

The event had a total of 230 attendees. Canales credited leaders in each of the participating organizations for their efforts. 

Other community programs that provided support included the Migrant Education Program, Monett R-1 School and Welcome Center, and the International Institute of Southwest Missouri. 

“We can proudly say that the event left the attendees wanting more and looking forward to next year’s event,” Canales said. “A highlight was seeing groups take photos, exchange cultural gifts, and even form new friendships.” 

Plans are underway to hold the event next year. 

“This event brought our community together and allowed us to celebrate each other’s unique traditions,” Canales said. “We truly believe everyone should have the chance to experience what we witnessed on October 18.”