The 51st A World A’Fair, held from May 3 to May 5, 2024, at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio, showcased a vibrant mix of global cultures and traditions. Organized by Dayton International Festival Inc., this annual event attracted visitors to explore over 30 country booths featuring authentic cuisine, traditional drinks, and diverse cultural displays, all under this year’s theme, “Art Around the World”. This theme enhanced the festival, celebrating art’s ability to bridge diverse geographies and cultures through engaging displays of cultural artifacts, folk music, and traditional attire.
The Chamorro Association of the Midwest, representing the Mariana Islands, was a notable participant, taking second place in the Cultural Category during Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Their booth offered attendees a vivid display of Chamorro dances, music, and art, deepening connections to their heritage and showcasing Pacific Islander culture in the US.
Association member Ann McIntosh recalled her journey of connecting through her culture through dance. “Dancing has been a dream of mine since I was little, but due to location and cultural knowledge on the East Coast, that wasn’t a possibility. I moved to the West Coast where I was able to join a cultural dance group that provided a foundation of knowledge through dance. Performing at A World A’Fair allowed me to fulfill those once lofty dreams. I was further blessed by being placed in a situation where I could lead and teach my love for dance. This resulted in a wonderful performance where I shared the stage with my Guam family! To be able to do what I love and be surrounded by people I could share the knowledge I had was beyond what dreams are made of!”
Angela Francisco Paet and husband Jye Paet traveled from the Seattle area to join the festivities to perform with the association. As they flew back to Washington State when the event concluded, Angela reflected upon the experience of sharing her Chamorro culture with fairgoers, many of whom were previously unaware of her island, people, and deep history. “Wow, what a fun weekend! [Jye and I] talked about all the conversations and people we met the entire time. So fascinating to hear people’s perspectives of Guam and their interests in our stories and history.” Other association members traveled to the event from Michigan and Pennsylvania. Clarence Mendiola and his family traveled from Pittsburgh, where the Pacific Islander community is sparse and so they attend association events to connect to home.
Guam, as a US territory, has a unique position in Pacific and American histories alike, contributing to the diverse cultural fabric of the United States. This distinct identity has increasingly become a focal point in Ohio, where the Pacific Islander and Chamorro communities have shown substantial growth. Recognizing the need for a more inclusive representation of these cultures, the Chamorro Association of the Midwest has taken proactive steps by reaching out to the Ohio Legislature. Their advocacy aims to enrich the educational curriculum, reflecting the significant demographic changes and ensuring that the rich history and contributions of the Chamorro people are acknowledged and celebrated within the broader educational narrative. This effort underscores the vital role of cultural education in fostering understanding and respect among diverse communities.
This year’s World A’Fair proved once again to be more than just a cultural celebration; it was a meaningful confluence of heritage and community. As each performance unfolded and every story was shared, participants and attendees alike were woven into a broader, more vibrant tapestry of human experience, underscoring the enduring impact of cultural exchange and mutual appreciation in today’s diverse world.
