The Seventh annual Celebration of Unity will take place 4-8 p.m. Saturday at Pike Place, promising an evening filled with culture, music, activities and community spirit.
The event, organized by Humans United for Equality, has evolved from raising awareness about diversity to fully celebrating the community’s diversity in culture.
“When we started, we had one vision and there was more of a sense that we needed to bring awareness to the fact that our community is very diverse and that that’s what makes it a special place to live,” said Deborah Kochert, founding member of HUE. “Now I think we’ve sort of established that and we’re more into the celebrating aspect of the event.”
Kochert said new members, like Guillermo Rodriguez, who helped last year and has since joined the board, have brought fresh ideas and connections. Rodriguez helped bring Baile Folklorico, a Purdue University dance group, to perform for the first time this year.
The event features a variety of activities for all ages, including limbo contests and dance lessons led by Rodriguez. Children can participate in an instrument parade featuring a Chinese dragon and other cultural instruments, and enjoy pinatas donated by long-time supporter Little Mexico.
All activities and prizes are free. Kochert said that the night was organized to offer a completely free experience.
“The only thing they could pay for is if they wanted to purchase food, but if they wanted to come and not purchase food, there will be free hot dogs from Hoosier Heartland State Bank,” she added.
Other performers include the Crawfordsville Choirs and Dance by Deborah. Food vendors such as Pampano’s Tacos, 1832 Brew and Jesus Kettle Corn will offer a variety of options. The event is expanding this year, utilizing the library pavilion for extra space and increasing the number of booths.
Mayor Todd Barton will present a proclamation honoring September as Celebrate Community Month during the event.
Casper said a key focus of the celebration is fostering a childlike perspective of acceptance and unity.
“Seeing acceptance and unity through the eyes of a child and really focusing on the children in our community, having a welcoming environment for them to explore and experience other cultures without judgment and with curiosity is important. Adults have an opportunity to witness that and share in the wonder of childlike acceptance.”
Visitors will receive a passport to visit booths representing various cultures and community organizations. After visiting booths, attendees can turn in their passports for a chance to win prizes.
Sponsors of the event include Hoosier Heartland State Bank, Penguin Random House, Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church, First Christian Church, Wabash College, the Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies, and the city of Crawfordsville.
