Around the World in One Night

Experience a world of culture at the 32nd International Night, this Friday at the . The yearly event features cultural performances from around the world, presented by students from the college.

Noah Cheek, Coordinator for Residential Education and a planner for International Night, said the event allows Edmonds Community College's American students and the local community to be exposed to the college's international students and their traditions.

“We like to consider International Night to be a cultural showcase,” Cheek said.

Due to the amount of people projected to attend, this is the first year the event will be held off-campus. The ECA can hold about 700 attendees; as of last Friday, 425 tickets already had been sold.

This number is already more than the total capacity of the previous venue, Cheek said. In past years, the event sold out, and many who wished to attend were turned away.

Ticket sales are now open to the public, and everyone involved in planning the event wants to see greater community turnout than in the past.

“We’re really hoping to get more representation from the greater Edmonds and Lynwood community area,” Cheek said.

This year a sellout would garner exposure for the 16 groups performing at International Night. Within a student population of 12,000, there are currently 1,589 international students from 70 countries enrolled at EdCC. Friday’s show will afford a selection of these students the opportunity to share the unique traditions of their home countries with both their peers and the community at large.

Performances will include singing, dancing, live music and even a yo-yo demonstration. Students from countries such as Indonesia, China and South America will traverse the stage with their talents.

Cheek said the audience members who attended the event in previous years can expect new and diverse acts this time around. The new venue will also contribute to the event's success and tone, Cheek said.

"We're really excited about hosting the event at the ECA," Cheek concluded. "The biggest difference between this year and previous years is the overall professionalism of the venue." 

Come find out for yourself, this Friday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m.. Tickets are $8, and currently available through the Edmonds Center for the Arts website. Depending on the number sold before the event, tickets may be available at the door.