Eat Weird Stuff

Three years ago, Kansas City, Kansas, Community College Professor Curtis Smith and a team of colleagues took it upon themselves to revive the Wyandotte County Ethnic Festival, an event that once held great importance but disappeared in the late ’70s. “To not have an ethnic festival in a county with such diversity was quite stunning,” Smith says. “We’re trying to get to know our neighbors.” This year’s ethnic fest offers food — Pakistani, Peruvian, Indonesian, Hmong and beyond — as well as ethnic dance troupes and music ensembles. Information on the Wyandot Indian Nation of Kansas will be available, along with lessons on historic sites, such as the Quindaro underground railroad. Kids can play in the children’s entertainment area or get their bodies painted with henna. The free festival takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today at the college field house (7250 State Avenue in KCK, 913-288-7314).

Sat., May 10, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 2008