All of ���ѱ�’s first-semester, first-year students are required to attend the festival – surely one of the most fun “requirements” a student could have. The university is providing free shuttle transportation from the Campus Commons to the festival site at every half hour, from the time the festival opens at noon to its 6 p.m. closing. (On-site parking is restricted – check the for more details.)

“We believe your hearts will be enlarged with the love you will find here, where smiles and hugs and beats that set your feet to dancing will re-energize your spirits in the beauty we share together,” say the festival co-chairs, Vauna Brown and David Kreider, on the event website. (Kreider, who has been a festival organizer for a number of years, holds three degrees from EMU.)

In this, its 17th year, the festival is recognized as an annual tradition in Harrisonburg, perhaps the most ethnically diverse city in Virginia. Harrisonburg is also one of the most harmoniously livable cities in America by . Festival organizers believe this is not a coincidence.

“We have a lot of refugees in our community because of the Anabaptist movements and the responsibilities they feel to help refugees settle here in our community,” explains Brown. In the early years of refugee re-settlement, “some of the churches had monthly potlucks and during those potlucks they would sit around and have a brainstorming about what they could do to [further] help.” From this brainstorming came the idea of a festival.

Local civic leaders – from the hospitals to the educational systems to city government – have not only endorsed the festival, they have stepped up to help create a hospitable climate in Harrisonburg. This year’s list of reads like a business and non-profit “Who’s Who” of Harrisonburg, with two of the top eight sponsors being EMU and the , founded and directed by EMU alumni.

“This year we are really focusing on unity and on the richness of our differences, which bring us together into a whole,” says Heidi Jablonski, an 2014 EMU grad who is assisting Brown and Kreider. “These differences draw people together to make the valley such an interesting and dynamic place.”

���ѱ�’s with a renowned children’s performer, Jose-Luis Orozco, at 2:15 p.m. This is one of the eight musical performances of the day, which wraps up with the dance-rhythms of a new Eritrean band, Zara.

of ���ѱ�’s is coordinating the making of unity flags, which are somewhat akin to Tibetan prayer flags. “This is a community art project for anyone – children, teenagers, adults – anyone is welcome at the ‘peace and justice area’ close to Pavilion 12,” she said.

“Participants will get a blank square of fabric and they will be able to put on symbols or prayers or poems that talk about unity,” said Amstutz. “Then, if they want, they can take them with them. Or they can pin them on pieces of string, which will be hung around the pavilion.” She noted that this activity fits with ���ѱ�’s focus on .

The festival also provides opportunities for fledgling entrepreneurs to get their start, says Brown, pointing out that at least three restaurants – the , , and – got their first exposures at past festivals.

Directed by , assistant professor of at EMU, Into the Woods will be performed in the Main Stage Theater at 7:30 p.m. on April 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12, plus a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, April 6. The show will run approximately three hours with intermission.

Information regarding age-appropriateness for EMU events is available through the  at 540-432-4360 or theater@emu.edu.

Into the Woods weaves together the main characters from fairy tales like Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Cinderella and others. The story revolves around a childless baker and his wife on a quest to begin a family, and their interaction with a witch who has placed a curse on them. In a departure from the standard plot line, the musical explores the consequences of these characters’ wishes.

“Into the Woods is a sprawling story filled to the brim with complex characters and dark magic,” said Poole. “The story provides ample opportunities to push the limits of our imaginations as we explore innovative ways to stage complex theatrical moments. I want audiences to leave the theater feeling that they have had a visceral, engaging experience that transcends what they have felt while watching a film or other mediated form of entertainment.”

Reserved tickets are $15 for adults ($17 at the door) and $12 for seniors, non-EMU students and EMU faculty/staff ($14 at the door) and $6 for EMU students. Tickets are available through ���ѱ�’s box office: 540-432-4582, . Group rates are available.

Cast:

Rachelle Kratz, stage manager

Dylan Bomgardner, assistant stage manager

Sierra Comer, assistant stage manager

Hailey Holcomb, assistant stage manager

Hattie Berg, assistant director

Chris Parks, dramaturg

Bethany Chupp (sophomore)

Shannon Dove

Heather Evans (junior)

Andrew French

Dorothy Hershey (first-year)

Jeremiah Hines (first-year)

Caitlin Holsapple (sophomore)

Heidi Jablonski (senior)

Holly Jensen (junior)

Elisha Keener (junior)

Eric King (senior)

Jaclyn Kratz (sophomore)

Katie Miller (senior)

Ezrionna Prioleau (first-year)

Emily Shenk (junior)

Sarah Sutter (first-year)

Sam Swartzendruber (sophomore)

Isaac Tice (senior)

Robert Weaver (first-year)

Phil Yoder (junior)

Rebekah York (sophomore)