Japanese students get ready for the show.

This year Japan and Bulgaria tied for first place, with India coming in second. In the booth categories, India placed first, with Nepal second, in the area of creativity, while Bangladesh was awarded best debut booth. Thanks to the generous contribution from the University provided by President Salonen, extra prizes where awarded to the students that performed as well as to those who prepared booths representing their countries.

The annual event draws crowds from the local community as well as students and faculty. Edina Oestreicher, chairperson of the planning committee, said, "I'm always thrilled with it. It's a tremendous event because it's all student-generated."

The festival moved this year from its traditional home in the student center. Oestreicher said the change "worked out really nicely." She commented that many students and faculty were pleased with the staging of the national performances. The Mertens Theater, with its stage, lighting and sound, provides ideal facilities.

The overflow crowd confirmed the students have a popular event on their hands. In fact, judging by the eagerness of the food samplers, many booths will have to bring in more of their traditional foods to avoid running short when bigger crowds arrive at next year's festival.