A quick glance at the daily news demonstrates that peace isn’t easy.
It requires making an honest effort to see beyond what separates us and to celebrate what we share in common.
According to Rev. Nancy Sajda, who sits on the Avalon Foundation’s Multicultural Festival steering committee, this annual celebration is an effective way to foster that sense of community on the Mid-Shore.
“In my view, the Multicultural Festival each year here in Easton is one more step in the direction of peace in Talbot County and in the world,” said Rev. Sajda, an interfaith minister. “Getting together in mutual respect, enjoying each other’s alikeness and difference makes for friendship between cultures and races and religions.”
The Festival was created by P.E.A.C.E. 16 years ago and after its 10th year, the event organizers approached the Avalon Foundation to take it over and the festival became the work of the Avalon Foundation. This year’s Multicultural Festival is scheduled for May 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Idlewild Park (or, in case of rain, Easton Middle School). It is free and open to the public. “The founders of the P.E.A.C.E. organization are still active members of the committee and are instrumental in planning for its success” says Festival Director, Suzy Moore.
In addition to a variety of musical and dance acts like the Walidane African Drummers, a Chinese Ehru player, and student dancers from the Multicultural Resource Center, the festival also invites community organizations and ethnic/local food vendors to be a part of the community celebration.
“The music and dance are all entertaining and the games are always fun,” said Moore. “But the Multicultural Festival is also a great opportunity for community groups to engage the public and bring awareness to their causes and for food and crafts vendors to sell their goods all the while celebrating the diversity of our community.”
Rev. Sajda, who will be leading the Talbot Interfaith Prayer, says that it takes weaving together many different strands to make the tapestry of an event like the Multicultural Festival a great experience.
“I love the music, the dancing, the laughter of the children, the different ethnic foods and vendors,” she said. “It’s just a wonderful day all around. We come together and we make a difference!”
There are many ways to join in on this fun celebration. The Avalon Foundation is currently seeking sponsors to help offset the costs of producing the festival, volunteers to help with set up, exhibitors who would like to spread the good work of their organizations, and food & craft vendors. We are looking for as many regional & ethnic food vendors as possible and are working closely with Environmental Health at the Talbot County Health Department to ensure that the application process is easy for all. The registration form can be found at www.avalonfoundation.org or by calling Suzy Moore at 410-822-0345.
The Multicultural Festival is the work of the Avalon Foundation whose mission is to provide diversified arts and educational programs in order to improve the quality of life on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The Avalon foundation is supported by the Talbot County Arts Council and made possible by generous sponsors, participants and volunteers.
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