Elgin High School is preparing to host its annual International Fair, a student-led event that is set to transform the school into a vibrant display of food, dance, and traditions from around the globe.

“It’s truly a beautiful experience to see all of these different cultures being represented in one place,” said Anvika Nalla, an 11th-grade student and Vice President of the South Asian Student Association (SASA). 

On Friday, January 23, 2026, from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm, Elgin High School is offering a cost-effective, local cultural journey for the entire community. The International Fair is designed to showcase the world’s diversity, offering attendees a unique chance to experience global cultures without the expense or time commitment of international travel.

“The theme for this year is like a trip around the world,” said Evelyn Cardenas,  a dual credit student at ECC and Vice-President of the Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS). “It gives people the opportunity to travel around the world without having to leave the room.”

The event, which is being coordinated by various student organizations, including SASA, promises an evening filled with authentic food samples, traditional dances, and interactive activities.

“Each club is going to have a few tables and a few booths where they’ll bring traditional food from their cultures and also different games or activities,” Nalla said. “By hosting the international fair, we’re able to showcase all of our different cultures and traditions.”

With a similar sentiment, Mannat Ashta,  an 11th-grade student and the Event Coordinator for SASA, emphasized the benefit of attending.

“I think my favorite part of the International fair is not only being able to express my own South Asian culture, but also being able to go around and see all the other cultures,” said Ashta. She explains that she enjoys seeing the diverse food and dances come together. 

Student organizers are emphasizing that the International Fair serves as an opportunity for peer-to-peer education about the varied backgrounds of the Elgin student body. The fair offers clubs a platform to create educational and sensory experiences for the audience, ensuring that learning about diverse traditions is interactive and memorable.

“It gives people the chance to experience these different parts of these cultures all just in one place and in one night,” said Ashta. 

Nalla shared a similar sentiment about the atmosphere of the fair. “A lot of people aren’t aware of the traditions and cultures that their peers follow. So this is a good way to show it.”