Exotic cultures will meet down-home country charm this weekend, as Streeter's centennial celebration becomes a truly global event.

Visitors from across the world will gather as the town erupts in a flurry of floats, fireworks and food. Old friends will dance under the street lights, swaying to the infectious melodies of nightly concerts. And children's painted faces will explode in laughter, romping through large carnival inflatables.

The centennial celebration begins today as more than 700 alumni attend the Streeter school reunion, said Jeff Veil, chairman of the centennial's planning committee.

But a few new faces will get their first taste of life in Streeter today, bringing a global flavor to the small North Dakota town.

International business associates of Streeter native Jimmey Iszler will spend the weekend with Iszler for his hometown's birthday party.

Iszler is president and CEO of Land Industries Inc., a Miami-based leather and clothing manufacturer. Each year he invites his international associates to a North Dakota vacation, one day hoping to open their eyes to his beloved childhood home, Iszler said.

And after years of hearing of Iszler's small-town adventures, four men and women - natives of India, Bermuda, Colombia and Richmond, Va. - decided to take him up on the vacation offer.

"I brag a lot about Streeter," Iszler said. "I think all my talk made them interested in seeing it for themselves."

Born and raised in the small town just off Highway 30, Iszler reluctantly left his home when he joined the Peace Corps after high school.

He saw the world, making friends in Colombia and uncovering the mysteries of a life very different from his childhood.

But Iszler never forgot his home. His heart, he said, stayed in Streeter - in the rolling prairie and quiet country nights he remembered.

When his leather business took him to Miami, Iszler did not want his children to grow up without seeing their father's home.

After their first visit to Streeter, Iszler said they caught the same sentiment that captured his own heart years ago.

"There is such freedom here," Iszler said. "They can take their ATVs out and just ride in the open prairie."

Iszler bought a home in town, and returns with his family each summer. And this weekend, a few extra vacationers will tag along.

Iszler's four visitors will spend the weekend in homes along Dakota Street, a three-block stretch of rental property Iszler is developing. Some of Iszler's other business associates also plan to build vacation getaways along the street, Iszler said.

During their stay, Iszler hopes his international guests will fall in love with the town he remembers from his childhood.

"I want to show them another side of the world - something nice and quiet," Iszler said. "Life in North Dakota is uncomplicated."