Murray State students learn foreign languages in classes, but the International Cultures and Languages Association, or ICALA, offers students opportunities to celebrate different cultures through activities throughout the year.
ICALA will be hosting Oktoberfest today at 5 p.m. The festivities are held outside and anyone is welcome to come. Donations are suggested and $5 has to be contributed to be eligible for the prize drawing. The donations help the ICALA organization do their annual activities.
Susan Drake, assistant professor of Spanish, is the faculty advisor for ICALA. She said the organization hosts the event each October the week after Homecoming.
“International Cultures and Languages Association has hosted Oktoberfest for many years on the Saturday after Homecoming,” Drake said. “At Tent City, ICALA has a bratwurst sale as a fundraiser so Oktoberfest became a way to eat up any remaining bratwurst!”
Luis Cignoni, president of ICALA, was responsible for getting the word out about Oktoberfest. This will be his fifth Oktoberfest and he thinks the event is a good opportunity for students.
“This event is a great way to meet people and learn a little about German culture and the history of Oktoberfest,” Cignoni said. “This year we are doing some trivia and teaching students about the German food we are serving. We think it’s a great way to have fun and learn at the same time.”
Oktoberfest will be held at 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. today at Faculty Club 309 North 14th St. between Woods Hall and Racer Arena. Come enjoy food and learn about German Culture.
Story by Dominique Duarte, Staff writer.