Coe College International Club plans banquet, new African wedding event

CEDAR RAPIDS — Coe College’s annual International Banquet returns this month, in addition to a special new event.

The International Club’s annual banquet returns for its 51st celebration on Sunday, April 6. The event’s feast of global delights starts with appetizers at 6 p.m. in P.U.B. (Permanent Union Building) connected to Gage Union. The banquet’s main presentation at the adjacent cafeteria will follow at 7 p.m.

Since 1974, the free event run by international students has taken visitors around the world with a glimpse into the culinary palate of dozens of countries.

This year’s event will feature new entertaining performances and food from 12 countries.

Later this month, Coe College students will be joined by students from four other colleges for an extra trip offering an entire new experience.

On April 12, two students will star in a “sham wedding,” not meant to unite them in marriage, but demonstrate the rich culture of African weddings. The event in Iowa City will be hosted by students from Coe College, Cornell College, Kirkwood Community College, the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.

The effort, spearheaded by Coe student Rita-Cascia Archibong, was first started by two Nigerians in Texas.

“It started because most Africans or Nigerians in America don’t have the opportunity to go to weddings. In African culture, weddings are one of the biggest things for us,” said Archibong, who is from Nigeria. “Every Saturday, there’s a wedding. To be missing out on the fun wasn’t an experience we’d want anyone to have.”

In Nigeria, weddings can be a week-long experience. But at this Iowa City event, the fun will be condensed into two hours.

“It has everything a wedding has, just with a fake bride and groom who aren’t in love,” she said. “It’s more a party than a wedding — people are just going to have fun.”

Representing multiple cultures from Western Africa, the event will focus on fashion, food and festivities.

Fashion, a significant focus at Nigerian weddings, embodies symbolism beyond a white dress. Families of the bride and groom pick tailor-made outfits that share a material “in order to not separate them, but distinguish them and recognize their place in the ceremony,” said Oyin Adewuyi, president of the International Club.

“It brings together a sense of community of two people being intermingled, while letting you know this is a family, and we’re recognizing and appreciating them,” she said.

Guests, on the other hand, dress to the nines.

“Nigerian weddings are basically the MET Gala,” Archibong said. “They are as big as a fashion show — the craziest styles.”

Food is often “intercontinental” in abundance, and gifts are given to guests at the end to demonstrate appreciation for making the wedding a joyous, memorable occasion.

Through all of it, the group hopes to instill the diversity of African culture and its richness throughout many countries.

Tickets to the mock African wedding can be purchased on Eventbrite for $10. The event will be held April 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 125 N. Madison St.

All proceeds will benefit African charities providing humanitarian relief to Nigeria, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.

Get the latest restaurant news, food reviews and insider tips from the Chew on This newsletter.