OnPoint Community Credit Union presents the Latino Community Association’s (LCA) 6th Annual Festival of Cultures scheduled for September 15 at Redmond’s Centennial Park. In keeping with its vision of a cohesive community where everyone is valued and empowered to participate and contribute to the health and prosperity of Central Oregon, LCA invites all of Central Oregon to celebrate our greatest asset – our people.
This will be the third year the festival has been held at Centennial Park in Redmond’s downtown. “What makes this event so exciting is its youthful, dynamic nature: each year we look at it with new eyes, get more people involved to help shape the event, and consider everyone’s ideas to ensure the festival reaches its full potential. Some changes you can count on this year include a more robust Kid’s Area, more shade, and a flea market to incorporate as many vendors as possible,” says Festival Coordinator Carol Burnett.
The Festival is an international affair including informational booths set up by Central Oregon residents representing many different cultures from around the world. Also included are local dance troupes, singers, and musicians, ethnic food vendors, and a Kid’s Area. Last year’s inaugural Passport Challenge was a huge hit with the kids, so you can count on seeing that again. And, of course, Oregon’s only community-based Official Citizenship Ceremony, which was added as a signature feature of the event in 2010. Lastly, an open air flea market will round out the event.
Organizers are seeking people with roots in any and all cultures of the world to share their heritage by setting up a free, educational booth. Volunteers are needed to oversee and assist with each area of the event. Craft vendors and anyone wishing to sell items (new or used) or to market their services are encouraged to sign up.
To volunteer or participate in this year’s Festival of Cultures, contact Festival Coordinator, Carol Burnett at 610-3075 or carolannburnett@hotmail.com
For information in Spanish, call LCA at 382-4366 or info@festivalofcultures.info
