West Elementary School in Fairfield invited the Confucius Institute at Miami University (CIMU) to participate in their annual Heritage Festival on Oct. 3.

The school gymnasium was packed with booths — dedicated to countries all around the world — for the fifth graders and their families to explore. Director Chen Zhao, students from the Miami Chinese classical music ensemble, and the parents of a Miami accounting professor all attended the event.

CIMU represented China with calligraphy, musical instruments, and traditional costumes students could try on. The children crowded around the calligraphy booth, excitedly watching the volunteers form their names in Chinese. Some children stayed long after their turn, as they were fascinated by the language and stroke of the brush.

Children could also try playing a pipa, which is a Chinese stringed instrument held in one’s lap.

At the end of the night, school administration thanked the Confucius Institute at Miami University for participating, and commended the booths and activities.