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MTU Parade of Nations to celebrate diversity in Houghton next week

Michigan Technological University

HOUGHTON, MI— Michigan Tech is gearing up for its 35th Parade of Nations and Multicultural Food Festival next week.

This year’s theme is Holidays Around the World.

Parade Co-chair Mariana Nakashima says it’s a community event that promotes cultural awareness and diversity in the Keweenaw for new students, faculty, and staff that come from many areas of the world, but it’s also a way for the community to showcase its diversity.

“It’s not only for our international students to feel welcome and a sense of belonging in our community and be accepted, but it’s also for the community to teach them about what this community is about and what is the history of it. So, it’s a way for both of us to learn from each other.”

The nonprofit event also provides scholarships to Tech students and donates to local organizations.

The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 21 at the Rozsa Center. It will wind through the downtown area and end at Dee Stadium, where the Multicultural Festival featuring food and entertainment will take place.

The route is a departure from previous years, when the parade would start in Hancock. Last year, when the plans for the parade were being formulated, Hancock officials weren’t sure what would happen with Finlandia University. They decided to continue to support the parade, but realized they couldn’t fully participate as a city.

Nakashima says around 80 countries are represented at Tech.

Nicole was born near Detroit but has lived in the U.P. most of her life. She graduated from Marquette Senior High School and attended Michigan State and Northern Michigan Universities, graduating from NMU in 1993 with a degree in English.