Window on the World 2005, our annual international festival, will celebrate the diverse cultures of our community this April — and you can be a part of it.

WOW 7 is set for 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Saturday, April 16, in the Roaden University Center. The festival showcases performers, artists, craftspeople, chefs, booksellers, and others with ethnic specialties.

The RUC bedecked in flags from many nations.

How can you help open this window on the world?

* Present a cultural, sales and/or food booth featuring the corner of the world dear to your heart. It could be the land of your family’s heritage or a place you have visited so often, it seems a second home. There is no charge, but space is limited, so call soon.

* Volunteer — as an individual or with your organization — in one of many capacities that day or beforehand.

* Nominate a person for the Window on the World Mandala Award. Each year the festival is dedicated to someone in the Upper Cumberland whose recognition of the world as one — a circle of humanity — has led to international activism and friendship. Past recipients include Hector Black, Robert and Julia Smoak, and Don Estes. Like these people, the nominee should have demonstrated exceptional commitment to befriending people from around the world. The ideal nominee has learned much of other cultures, cares for humanity everywhere, and actively pursues this international interest right here, benefiting our whole community.

To make a nomination, write a one-page letter describing how the person’s qualities and activities fit these criteria and send to WOW coordinator Katie Kumar at Box 5023. The nomination deadline is March 1.

WOW 7 is a fun, free, family event. For more information, visit www.tntech.edu/wow/. If you'd like to participate, e-mail kjkumar or call 6197, days, or 528-7968, evenings.