Last modified: Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Bloomington Multicultural Festival to be held Sept. 23
Bloomington's Multicultural Festival will bring the community together to celebrate diversity.
"Celebrating Diversity in Our Community!" is the theme of this year's event. The festival will take place from 12 noon to 4 p.m., at City Hall's Showers Plaza, 401 N. Morton St. In case of rain, all activities will be conducted inside City Hall.
In its fourth year, Bloomington's Multicultural Festival began as a program to highlight the diversity offered across the Monroe County community. The festival plays an important role of reaching the ever-changing population of students, faculty, staff and community members. It also reinforces the importance of understanding and appreciating different cultures.
"The festival began as an effort to help showcase for the campus and the community the rich cultural traditions that are present here," said Richard McKaig, Indiana University vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students. "This program has expanded each year, highlighting the significance that it plays in the community. The festival is a great addition to the fall activities in Bloomington."
This year's children's activities include music, arts and crafts, games and prizes focused around diversity. Participating musicians and artists include Estrelo do Norte, IU International Folkdancers, Cry of the Children, Gumboot Dancers, Bloomington North High School Mariachi Band, Hawaiian dance/song, Latin American Music, Flamenco Dancers, Bharta Natyam and Samulnori.
"September is 'Be Festive Bloomington' month, part of the City's 'Be Bloomington' community character campaign," said Mayor Mark Kruzan. "The Multicultural Festival is an excellent way to celebrate the festive, cultural and creative community that is Bloomington."
Sponsors of the 2007 Bloomington Multicultural Festival include the City of Bloomington, Indiana University, Ivy Tech Community College, Monroe County Community School Corporation and Monroe County Government.
For more information, visit the Bloomington Multicultural Festival Web site at www.bloomington.in.gov/cfrd/bmf.
