Middle East Festival
Yesterday was the beginning of an amazing (hopefully) annual event bringing a taste of the Middle East to Oxford! AIESEC, with 11 other student organizations challenged students and residents to "Think Beyond the Camel" with tables highlighting students experiences living or working in the Middle East.
Our big marketing scheme was some of our members dressed up in a two person camel suit passing out "Think Beyond the Camel" flyers at the HUB. At first we were worried that might be advocating a stereotype, but in the end we decided it would be a good idea. First because it is an attention grabber. How often do people see a camel costume in the middle of Academic Quad? Never. Second, it was justified by the fact that the camel was accompanied by the "Think beyond the Camel" flyers. Definitely a great idea.
Uptown Park looked amazing. The gazebo was draped with red sheer fabric, highlighted by the dj's color changing lights. There was a canopy tent with mats, pillows and chairs for some social hookah and discussion. Every organization/ student had their own table highlighting their aspect of the Middle East. AIESEC Miami was highlighting not only our awesome LC experience but the Salaam program and our exchanges with the Middle East. There was some definite interest so hopefully we can match some TNs!!
The entertainment was fabulous. First we had an hour long performance by the belly dancing group Circle of Rihanna. The ten dancers were elaborately dressed in long flowing skirts, colorful tops and lots of dangling coins that made noise when they danced. All the different dances were choreographed to traditional Middle Eastern drumming. One woman brought out a machete and danced with that for about ten minutes... really interesting. Afterwards, we had a Lebanese dance troupe from Ohio State come and do some of their traditional dancing!
Unfortunately, La Bodega never returned any of our calls for food, but volunteers came to the rescue and made some amazing homemade food. We had humus, pita, kafta, falafals and much more.
I do think for next year we need to market the event better and start earlier. We also were thinking about bringing in some live camels to attract the kids from the community. I would love next year to use the projectors we rented. We just didn't get around to showcasing the pictures we wanted to. Overall, a fabulous event so zaps to Robyn, Kate, all those who came out and the other organizations! Let's definitely work on making this bigger and better for next year!
Our big marketing scheme was some of our members dressed up in a two person camel suit passing out "Think Beyond the Camel" flyers at the HUB. At first we were worried that might be advocating a stereotype, but in the end we decided it would be a good idea. First because it is an attention grabber. How often do people see a camel costume in the middle of Academic Quad? Never. Second, it was justified by the fact that the camel was accompanied by the "Think beyond the Camel" flyers. Definitely a great idea.
Uptown Park looked amazing. The gazebo was draped with red sheer fabric, highlighted by the dj's color changing lights. There was a canopy tent with mats, pillows and chairs for some social hookah and discussion. Every organization/ student had their own table highlighting their aspect of the Middle East. AIESEC Miami was highlighting not only our awesome LC experience but the Salaam program and our exchanges with the Middle East. There was some definite interest so hopefully we can match some TNs!!
The entertainment was fabulous. First we had an hour long performance by the belly dancing group Circle of Rihanna. The ten dancers were elaborately dressed in long flowing skirts, colorful tops and lots of dangling coins that made noise when they danced. All the different dances were choreographed to traditional Middle Eastern drumming. One woman brought out a machete and danced with that for about ten minutes... really interesting. Afterwards, we had a Lebanese dance troupe from Ohio State come and do some of their traditional dancing!
Unfortunately, La Bodega never returned any of our calls for food, but volunteers came to the rescue and made some amazing homemade food. We had humus, pita, kafta, falafals and much more.
I do think for next year we need to market the event better and start earlier. We also were thinking about bringing in some live camels to attract the kids from the community. I would love next year to use the projectors we rented. We just didn't get around to showcasing the pictures we wanted to. Overall, a fabulous event so zaps to Robyn, Kate, all those who came out and the other organizations! Let's definitely work on making this bigger and better for next year!
posted by erin at
8:08 PM
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