More than 40 performances, hundreds of ethnic food dishes and cultural displays, dozens of crafts vendors and fantastic weather drew thousands of people (pictured) to CQU Rockhampton for the 13th annual Central Queensland Multicultural Fair and CQU Open Day on Sunday 8 August.

Highlights included a citizenship ceremony for eighteen new Australians and performances from former deep-water pearl diver Seaman Dan and ABC's Bananas in Pyjamas.

The CQU Library drew people of all ages. Children came for free Chuppa Chups, book readings and contests. Adults came to talk to local authors and view art on display, including an exhibit of JW Wilson, an architect who designed over 200 Central Queensland buildings.

Vice Chancellor John Rickard (pictured) opened the Fair and spent hours with his wife, Veronica, visiting the vendors, watching the performances and talking to visitors and staff.

"It's been an exceptional day for the community," he said. Polish musicians, Bachelor of Performing Arts students and South Sea Island dancers entertained hundreds of families that filled plastic chairs on the Library lawn. High school musicians from Emmaus College, Heights College and Rockhampton Grammar performed for hundreds of guests who sat on the grass seats of the Amphitheatre while belly dancers, the Macedonian Gypsy band and Bangladeshi artists engaged audiences gathered at the Performance Stage.

Division of University Relations' Gina Yarrow told The Morning Bulletin "it was definitely as day for the family... Everyone got a slice of culture." CQU's Face of the Fair, Rakiza Hussein, called the Multicultural Fair "one of the most important events of the year." CQU acknowledges generous support and partnership with ABC Capricornia and The Morning Bulletin in the production of the Multicultural Fair.