Photo provided Buckeye Local High School students, from left, Samantha Ankrom, Brynn McKeever and Elizabeth Stock don Egyptian attire and serve up some facts and foods during the 19th Annual International Culture Fair on Thursday.

CONNORVILLE — People went around the world in a matter of minutes during the 19th Annual International Culture Fair at Buckeye Local High School on Thursday.

Hundreds of spectators appeared to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of nearly 40 countries spanning from the Americas to Europe and beyond. Co-advisers Bonnie Soos and Savana Granat said this year’s theme was “Preserving the Past” and highlighted the history and architecture of each country.

“We had displays, food and landmarks from every country,” said Soos. “This year, we let the public vote for their favorite display, favorite food and favorite structure.”

“The seniors loved the historical aspect,” said Granat. “They wanted to focus on the architecture.”

Attendees purchased tickets for 25 cents each for the food-tasting, while concessions and a 50-50 raffle were also held. Proceeds benefited the Foreign Language Club for field trips and cultural experiences and Soos said each fair has been successful.

“It’s all about bringing the community into the school,” she added. “It’s a great community event.”

She and Granat also praised the students for their hard work on the exhibits and performances.

“I’m very proud of them, especially their work on the structures,” Granat chimed in.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” Soos added. “I think they’ve done an excellent job.”

People had an opportunity to view many handmade models depicting the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, the Matterhorn of Switzerland, Stonehenge in England, the Puente De Boyaca bridge in Colombia and more; check out displays with details about countries from the United States to Uruguay, Argentina to Australia and Germany to Romania, to name a few; sample delights from each country, including Rasta Pasta from Jamaica, spice cake from Turks and Caicos, dalgona coffee from South Korea and petit fours sweets from France to Papitas de Leche treats from Venezuela; and enjoy performances in the theater, such as Spanglish, Hebrew, Spanish, Scottish and French songs, a violin solo, tango, Laendler (Austrian), Indian, Chinese Fan and Tinikling (Filipino) folk dances and a Parade of Nations. Meanwhile, children’s activities and music from accordionist Dave Milovac rounded out the evening.

Many students also donned costumes representing their chosen countries and some said they learned a lot as they prepared for the festivities.

Juniors Alexis Burress and Arielle Orban represented Japan and featured details about the country’s geography and history. The students also prepared chicken and beef ramen and different flavored mochi (rice cakes) for people to taste.

“It’s a really good thing to do,” said Burress of participating in the fair.

Orban added that they also spotlighted the importance of the cherry blossom tree and she also gained interest in the country’s artwork.

“I think the most interesting one is ‘The Wave of Kangawa’ painting. My favorite part of Japan is the art,” Orban said.

Freshman Chastity Stewart chose Costa Rica for her project and highlighted historical and other facts from that nation, plus she served up banana bread, Picadillo de Papa (a meat and vegetable dish), chimichurri sauce and more.

“I was interested and wanted to learn more about it,” she said of the country.

Junior Sydney Snyder selected Italy and provided pasta, Tiramisu dessert and Italian cream soda to the public.

“I thought it would be really fun,” she said of her choice.

It was all Greek to seniors Raygan Lengyel and Jasmine Yohe, who chose the Mediterranean country for their theme and promoted its culture and cuisine, with the latter ranging from baklava to tzatziki sauce and pita chips.

“Greece has such an amazing background,” Yohe commented.

“We also love the Greek mythology,” Lengyel noted.