CSSM Plans Festival to Mark Diversity of Culture in Region
Cal State San Marcos unveiled plans Monday for an international music and food festival, the first of what is hoped to be an annual cultural fair in North County.
The festival, the result of a $500,000 pledge from Itoman Corp. of Japan, will focus on cultures that are found in North County, including traditional European, Asian, Mexican and South American cultures, said Don Funes, professor of fine arts.
“The emphasis of the festival will be to celebrate the cultural diversity of San Diego County,” Funes said.
The financial troubles currently faced by Itoman do not seem to faze Funes. Even though the company in February announced cancellation of its sponsorship of a prestigious golf tournament, Funes said, he has received assurances from Itoman that the university’s endowment will not be affected.
“It will not be affected at all. We will certainly honor our commitment to Cal State San Marcos,” said Brigitte Engel, project administrator for Pacific Cielo Development Inc., a San Diego subsidiary of Itoman.
Itoman, a textile trading house with interests in real estate, is saddled with more than $9 billion in debt. In September it gave Cal State San Marcos $50,000, the first of 10 annual installments, to establish the annual international festival.
The Itoman Cal State University San Marcos International Festival will be held Oct. 27 and will feature local ethnic music ensembles, crafts and food.
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