ORONO – The United States is made up of people from every corner of the earth, and while this diversity sometimes presents challenges, it is also a great strength. That cultural richness was reflected in the annual International Festival sponsored March 28 by the University of Maine Dining Services.

UM’s dining services staff began the international festival in 1998, preparing a wide variety of ethnic foods served in a gala-style dining environment. The event has grown in concept, effort and creativity each year, and students widely proclaimed the fourth annual festival the best ever.

“What better way to celebrate diversity in the world than through food,” declared Sandy Donahue, UM dining services manager.

This year, Donahue reported, the Stodder Commons staff prepared food from more than 25 countries on six continents. A Tapas and Antipasto Bar in the lobby piqued the palates of attendants, and the dining room was filled with food from Afghanistan, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Morocco, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey and the United States. Cajun and Native-American cuisines were highlighted from the United States.

The Stodder Commons’ regular food suppliers also joined in the festivities, donating time and products, and serving dishes from Belgium, China, Mexico, Greece, India and Italy.

Music and decorations contributed to the atmosphere, as did the dining-room staff dressed in traditional attire from Chile, Germany, India, Jamaica, Japan, Morocco, Poland, Sweden and other cultures.