Dozens of students from Austin and Albert Lea schools, along with parents and friends gathered for a culturally rich gaming experience Saturday at Austin’s El Parral Ballroom.

“This is the first time we’ve done International Game Night,” said Kristi Beckman, integration coordinator for Austin Public Schools.

Others, like Jake Vela, from Austin’s Welcome Center, and Albert Lea Schools success coaches Chang Ruach and Virginia Herrera helped organize the fun. The event sprung from both Austin and Albert Lea schools’ integration programs.

Some guests played American card games, while another group played a Mexican version of BINGO using pictures. The younger, more athletic jumped in and out of homemade roping, a game played in both Thailand and Kenya, among other places.

“I think it’s awesome,” said Apiou Kuir, after trying to jump in and out of the rope.

Kuir is an Austin High School student. She recalled how a different version of the game was played in Kenya. She used to play the game as a child.

One word, community, echoed more than any other, though. The event was a way for communities that don’t often mingle to learn a little more about others.

“I’ve seen some people that I’ve never met before,” Kuir added.

Among the games, organizers served a traditional Mexican treat and juices while youngsters danced to sounds from around the world.

Herrera said it’s important for communities to hold such events, so they don’t forget their cultures and bring something unique and fun for others to learn about.

Through it all, though, Herrera said it also shows something more important.

“We’re not that much different,” She said.