Riverside, Calif., Sunday, February 27, 2000--In the Orient, the Chinese New Year is greeted with colorful festivities, pageantry and plenty of eating. So "Why Be Different?" might be the unofficial slogan of organizers of this year's Festival of Nations celebration at La Sierra University.

On Sunday, Feb. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m., crowds will converge on the university's Alumni Pavilion for the event, now in its 21st year. This year's "Celebrating 2000" theme, with a special emphasis on the Chinese New Year, should add even more fun to an already colorful event, organizers say.

More than 68 nations are represented in La Sierra's student body and the festival is designed to celebrate the university's diversity. It's also a great excuse to eat, says Natan Vigna, activities coordinator in the La Sierra Student Life Office. "We always promote the brotherhood among nations and our shared rich cultures," Vigna said, "but somehow I think most people come for burritos and egg rolls."

Last year, attendance reached 1,500, placing the festival among the university's most popular public events. Fans of healthy, low-fat food are particularly appreciative of the events all-vegetarian offerings, organizers say.

More than 20 campus clubs will serve ethnic food and will hold raffles for prizes. A booth-decorating competition between the clubs will add to the local color.

A non-stop parade of entertainment will feature folkloric music from South America, Native American dancers, Middle Eastern belly dancing and even a "Chinese Lion Dance." In its performance, a troupe from the Loma Linda Chinese Seventh-day Adventist Church will commemorate the Chinese New Year, which started on Feb. 5.

There is no admission charge for the event. Money raised through the sale of food will benefit participating student clubs, including the La Sierra Senior Class, the Student Alumni Association and the Southern Asian Student Alliance. For information, call (909) 785-2041.

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La Sierra University "Festival of Nations," Sunday, Feb. 27, 5 to 8 p.m., Alumni Pavilion, Pierce Avenue, across from the university's main entrance. Call (909)785-2041 for details.