Photos: All Faiths Festival Gala a Success

[Editor's note: The following was submitted by All Faiths Festival.]

Several hundred people braved the gray weather and thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the third annual All Faiths Festival gala held at the Malden Senior Community Center on May 14, as did Mayor Richard Howard and numerous city officials.

Why did they come? Directors and representatives from Houses of Worship in Malden were there to talk about their faith and their programs, and to distribute materials. Eight talented groups from various houses of worship treated the appreciative audience to thrilling musical performances. The performers were:

• Dave Weigert Project from Berklee Jazz group, Baha’i Faith of Malden
• Students Choir from the Outreach Community and Reform Center
• Bell Choir from First Baptist Church of Malden
• William Clarke, Trombonist (Student, Malden High) from The Salvation Army
• Robert Taylor, Trumpet player from the Forestdale Community Church
• Gary Gillette, Guitarist, and ensemble from Temple Tifereth Israel
• Drum Circle from First Parish in Malden, Universalist
• Drum Corps from Philadelphie Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Rollo the Clown delighted kids of all ages by roller skating around the building, joking and blowing up balloons. Families took advantage of the free MYCHIP program (Masonic Children Identification Program).

New England Coffee provided coffee, which went hand in hand with the Piantedosi Baking Company who handed out specialty breads. And, as always, the gala was the recipient of wonderful support by Ron Cox, Executive Director of Malden Access TV.  

Everyone said it was a wonderful opportunity to meet their friends, neighbors, directors of various houses of worship, and city officials. Visitors took the opportunity to mingle with neighbors, city officials and members of other faiths.

The purpose of the gala is to reinforce a sense of community and create awareness of the various Malden Houses of Worship. And it was free. The theme of the gala was, “We are Community.” 

For more information about the All Faiths Festival, visit their website: www.AllFaithsFestival.com. Watch for the video of the GALA on MATV.