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1049 State Ave. * Marysville, Washington 98270 * (360) 363-8000 * web: marysvillewa.gov Office of the Mayor News Release Contact: Doug Buell, Community Information Officer Office: (360) 363-8086 I Cell: (425) 754-3641 Email: [EMAIL REDACTED] Web: http://marysvillewa.gov/diversity Sept. 13, 2013 Marysville hosts 1st Annual Multicultural Fair Sept. 28 to celebrate diversity Enjoy cultural music & dance performances, ethnic foods, art, cultural resource booths MARYSVILLE – The City invites you to attend the 1st Annual Marysville Multicultural Fair on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. to celebrate diversity in the Marysville-Tulalip communities and the many cultures who call the area home. The free event will be in downtown Comeford Park, 514 Delta Ave. Enjoy music and dance from around the world on stage in the Rotary Pavilion, experience traditions from other lands through demonstrations and displays, and enjoy the food court where exotic ethnic foods will be available for purchase. The event is being coordinated by the Mayor’s Diversity Advisory Committee and Marysville Arts Coalition. The Coalition will announce and display the winning entries from an all-ages diversity arts contest earlier this year. “We are excited to offer this new event to bring hundreds of people together in a celebration of the many diverse nations, languages and cultures of the world through food, art, music and dance ” says Mayor Jon Nehring. Nehring established the Diversity Advisory Committee in 2010 to advise him and city government leaders on issues of diversity and inclusion. The Committee also includes representation from advocates of individuals with a physical or mental disability. Nehring says that as a growing community, Marysville looks to pride itself on being a welcoming, more prosperous and livable city, one that learns to celebrate differences and leverage them to become “It is more than just the right thing to do,” he says. “Diversity will enrich our community.” The multicultural fair is proudly sponsored by key sponsor Sea Mar Community Health Centers, HomeStreet Bank, Marysville/North County YMCA, Molina Healthcare and Marysville Free Methodist Church. The day’s performance lineup includes Korean Dancers and Drums to open the event, Celtic music from Seattle favorites the BOWI Band, Mariachi Juvenil Voces, Native American flautist Peter Ali, Native American S-du-hoo-bsh storyteller Lois Landgrebe, belly dance performances, and Karen Ann Krueger, a former Paralympian and inspirational speaker on disabilities. Visit some of your local cultural food favorites including Mae Phim Restaurant (Thai), Sampaghita Cuisine (Filipino-American), Rosie’s (Tulalip/Native American), La Hacienda (Mexican), Craving Cajun Grill, Sons of Italy and others. ---PAGE BREAK--- 1049 State Ave. * Marysville, Washington 98270 * (360) 363-8000 * web: marysvillewa.gov The multicultural fair will also feature dozens of cultural resource booths from organizations that value equity and respect for diverse populations with interactive and informational displays, and hands-on activities for children. One unique cultural exhibit will feature a 22-foot long African-American timeline display developed by the NAACP Snohomish County Chapter that covers key facts, events and people across 500 years from the time Europeans and Africans arrived in America. The exhibit was displayed last month at an event at Everett Community College celebrating the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The Diversity Advisory Committee is making good on one of the recommended actions in their two-year Diversity Work Plan: to establish an event that celebrates cultural, physical and mental differences among people, and sends a message that those differences are valued year-round. To learn more, contact Diversity Committee Staff Liaison Doug Buell at (360) 363-8086, email [EMAIL REDACTED], or visit the website at http://marysvillewa.gov/multiculturalfair. People interested in volunteering should also contact Buell. Multicultural Fair Performers & Speakers Lineup 10:00 Opening Remarks - Mayor and Government Leaders 10:20 Korean Dancers and Drums 11:00-11:20 Gilana & Giselle, Monroe Belly Dancers 11:30-11:50 Karen Ann Krueger, former Paralympian and Inspirational Speaker on Disabilities 12:00-12:50 The BOWI Band – Celtic Music 1:00-1:15 Moon Sirens/Rubies on Fire Belly Dance 1:15-1:40 S-du-hoo-bsh Storyteller – Lois Landgrebe 1:40-2:10 Peter Ali, Native American flautist 2:10-3:00 Mariachi Juvenil Voces Special Presentation in Community Center 1:00 p.m. Presentation of PBS’ “Race: The Power of an Illusion (Part I) Presentation and group discussion hosted by The Communities of Color Coalition (in the Garden Room inside Community Center) Diversity Mission Statement To recognize the important value of diversity in our community, to encourage policies, activities and thought-provoking discussion which support cultural understanding, mutual respect and inclusivity, and further the enhancement of our community as one where cultural and physical diversity is celebrated as an important asset. We recognize the many facets of a diverse society may include, but are not limited to, race, religion, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic level, mental and physical differences, age, and sexual orientation.