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Contact: Harriet Laird<\/a><\/p>\n STARKVILLE, Miss.\u2014It\u2019s time for the 34th International Fiesta at Mississippi State and organizers are putting new and final touches on the university\u2019s signature global celebration set for this Saturday [April 11].<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Free and open to all, International Fiesta is primed to bring global community and connection to the forefront of the day\u2019s festivities with the spirited parade of flags, culinary creations from around the world and colorful, cultural entertainment. The day kicks off at 11 a.m. on MSU\u2019s historic Drill Field.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis year, more than 60 student organizations, campus partners and community groups are at the center of making International Fiesta a success,\u201d said Karolina Kastsiuchenka, program coordinator for MSU\u2019s Center for Student Activities. \u201cThis spring event at the university has been around for more than three decades, and it continues to grow each year because of the amazing collaboration and cooperation among the many groups that are excited to celebrate their cultures and traditions.\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n For the first time, fiesta-goers can find four check-in stations located throughout the area where wristbands will be available to help estimate attendance numbers, along with T-shirts and tote bags for cash purchase.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Also new this year is the Passport to Fiesta Quest in which participants of all ages can complete challenges and win prizes in the game area. In addition, attendees will want to visit the new photo booths to capture images with friends and family.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The day\u2019s overall schedule is:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201410:45 a.m.<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Parade of Flags lineup at Allen Hall; Anyone can join the ceremonial procession and there is no sign-up or experience required<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201411:00 a.m.<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Parade of Flags and official opening ceremony<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201411:20 a.m. <\/span><\/span><\/strong>to 2:45 p.m.<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Main stage performances; cultural booths, games and activities area and inflatables are open<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u20142:45 p.m.<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 International fashion show, and food and display competition winners announced<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n In addition to MSU\u2019s Center for Student Activities, the World Neighbors Association of Starkville is an annual event host.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n More information is available by emailing Kastsiuchenka at <\/span><\/span>k.kastsiuchenka@msstate.edu<\/span><\/span><\/a> or Kylie Forrester, center director, at <\/span><\/span>kylie.forrester@msstate.edu<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n