Wayland Academy students, staff, and faculty invite residents of Beaver Dam and surrounding communities to Culture Convention 2026—Saturday, February 28—a celebration of global diversity and cultural appreciation.
Wayland students, from all around the world, will share their culture, food, traditional clothing, dances, art, and much more!
No admittance fee. Admittance is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted at the door.
2026 Culture Convention Program
1:00 pm—Opening Ceremony
1:10 pm—Welcome
2:00 pm—Performances on Lindsay Stage
3:20 pm—Closing Ceremony
Countries and cultures that will be represented at the 2026 Culture Convention include Afghanistan, African/Black American, China, Costa Rica, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Inner Mongolia, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, the Midwest (United States), Morocco, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, the United States, Viet Nam, and Wales.
Dozens of food samplings from around the world will be available at this year’s Culture Convention, including Cơm Tấm (Viet Nam), Rooh Afza (India), Martabak Manis (Indonesia), Tortilla de Patatas and Turrón de Suchard (Spain), Tacos (Mexico), Garlic Knots and Borshch (Ukraine), Kimbap (South Korea), Bolani (Afghanistan), Baked Mac and Cheese and Cornbread (African/Black American), Plantains (Rwanda), Arroz con Leche and Picadillo de Papa (Costa Rica), Wild Rice Soup (the Midwest—U.S.), Sorullitos de Maíz (Puerto Rico), Pecan Pie (United States), and Grape Leaves (Turkey).
Culture Convention was a revitalization of the Global Fair, which began as a community event in 2003. The Beaver Dam Community Library hosted the event for several years before moving it to the Wayland Academy campus in 2016. The event was paused during the pandemic but returned in 2024, driven by Wayland students who wanted to revive the cultural celebration.
“The Culture Convention is a highly anticipated event in the community, offering a unique opportunity to explore the diverse cultures represented in both Beaver Dam and the Wayland community,” said Carolina Ganske, modern languages faculty at Wayland and Co-chair of the Culture Convention. “From incredible food to one-of-a-kind performances, it’s an afternoon filled with learning, sharing, and meaningful connections. You won’t want to miss it!”
“Wayland Academy’s Culture Convention is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity for the Beaver Dam community to experience the diversity, traditions, and perspectives that make our school so unique. From authentic foods to a vibrant fashion show and so many cultural performances, Culture Convention is a celebration of all cultures coming together and being recognized,” shared Maddie Clark, secretary of Wayland’s Unity and Community student committee and the Culture Convention student planning committee.
She added, “As a senior at Wayland Academy, I will forever remember and talk about the diversity and enlightenment this school has given me. I decided to join the Culture Convention planning committee this year because I wanted to share that enlightenment with as many people as possible. Trust me, it’s an opportunity that will change your life.”
