This Saturday, the Missouri Southern State University international students are providing some extra entertainment and food for a low price, hoping to raise money for future events.

Jesse Briscoe, the international Student Services coordinator says the prices will be $1 per food sample or a $12 wristband for unlimited samples.

The event is at the North End Zone Facility by the football field.

Briscoe believes the event will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience global cultures many Joplin residents may not or have not been able to travel to experience, especially after the pandemic.

“This event used to draw 500 or more people to attend. Our [festival] is going to be very different though because we utilize some local restaurants and we also utilize Fresh Ideas on campus,” Briscoe said. “We actually have some faculty and staff participating in the event as well. All of the students are reimbursed for their food supplies.”

International student Alex Fortes Álverz, from Spain, encourages attendees to try the Spanish food.

Attendees can expect performances and foods from professional companies as well. MSSU international students from around the world will represent such countries as Spain, Mexico, China, Israel, Philippines, Honduras, Finland, Austria, Vietnam, Nigeria, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Trinidad, Tobago, British Virgin Islands and Ukraine.

Performances will start at 5 p.m. with a performance from Three Trails Taiko, a volunteer performance group from Kansas City,  followed by Springfield’s Kizuna Japan-America Friendship Group which will be performing a traditional Japanese dance at 6 p.m. MSSU students will perform at 6:45 p.m.