Westside hosted its fourth annual Multicultural Fair on May 2, bringing together hundreds of people across different cultures to celebrate their heritage.
The fair featured stands celebrating different cultures, each showcasing elements such as stories, significant items and traditional foods from different regions.
Program Coordinator Danielle Herzog organized the event for the second year in a row, and shared the importance of diversity in a community.
“I love how it brings people of all different backgrounds together, and we’re all learning and sharing and having fun,” Herzog said.
Herzog highlighted the necessity of the Multicultural Fair in bringing people together to have fun and explore various cultures in a unique way.
“The most valuable part of the Multicultural Fair is seeing the community all come together for one common purpose – to learn, engage and have fun exploring each other’s cultures and heritages. I love seeing families walking around the event, smiles on their faces as they’re excited to try new foods and learn new things,” Herzog remarked.
Herzog also reflected on her own experiences with the fair, and what it means to her.
“The fair has absolutely expanded my view on the world. I’ve learned so many new things from the different cultures represented over the past few years the fair has been occurring. From learning how to write my name in Chinese, to recipes from Afghanistan to African drumming techniques. It’s been incredible to try new things” Herzog said.
The fair included more than just stands as well, ensuring that there were experiences for all people of all ages. 42 showcases and five performance groups, as well as three food trucks, a popsicle stand and more make the experience unforgettable for people across different families and organizations. Countries represented included South Korea, Mexico, and India, among others.
Carmine Grose, who represented Italy with her stand, chose a variety of memorabilia to display at her stand.
“I showcased pictures, books, different literature and food, primarily cookies,” Grose said.
Grose highlighted the diversity of the event as something she enjoyed the most.
“I like to see the diversity of the universe. I think that it makes us stronger and better people to have. There are some people in the government that don’t think diversity is a good thing, and it’s a good time,” Grose said.
Performers included dancers from the AP Legacy Dance Studio, African Youth Drummers, Raaga Percussion Ensemble, and Taekwondo instructors from Siso Martial Arts.
Eric Beba, the leader of the African Youth Drummers, explained how his experience started the group.
“I’m a dancer, then we started doing African dance, and people liked it. So we hired another drummer, while I teach the dancing,” Beba said.
The Multicultural Fair continues Westside’s efforts to promote diversity, inclusion and cultural understanding within the community.
