Community Connections Festival

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — S.U.R.E. Diversity invites residents of all ages to celebrate a decade of building connections and strengthening community partnerships at the Community Connections Festival on Saturday, October 17, from 3–6 PM at the new Swampscott Center for Performing Arts (formerly the Hawthorne Restaurant).

The Community Connections Festival celebrates the many people, organizations, businesses, and volunteers who have worked together over the past ten years to help create a more welcoming and connected community.

Guests will enjoy interactive activities designed to bring neighbors together, including a lively Community Drum Circle led by Philip Alexander and a collaborative Community Mural led by artist Claire Donnelly. Games, conversation starters, and other activities will encourage guests to meet someone new and make connections.

Music from different cultures and traditions will be featured throughout the afternoon. Steve Tapper and Shira Moss will greet guests with flute and percussion inspired by world music. El Bohemio will share Mexican mariachi and ranchera music. Berklee alumnus Philip Alexander will invite everyone to drum, clap, sing, and dance during the Community Drum Circle. Juan Carlos Hurtado of Peru will introduce the traditional 10-string Andean charango, while Christophe Matara of the Central African Republic will share Sango music from his country. Rupert Deese will close the afternoon with American Old-Time music on fiddle, banjo, guitar, and harmonica.

Different traditions. Different instruments. One community.

Exciting door prizes will be awarded throughout the afternoon, including two tickets to a performance at the Swampscott Center for Performing Arts and gift certificates to local establishments.

The festival will be held at the Swampscott Center for Performing Arts, a beautiful new waterfront venue overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Center has generously donated the use of its space and embraced the spirit of the festival.

“Part of the new Center’s mission is to bring the community together,” said S.U.R.E. Diversity member Margaret Somer. “Their vision aligns beautifully with ours, making this an ideal place to celebrate ten years of partnerships, friendships, and community.”

Founded in 2016, S.U.R.E. Diversity (Swampscott Unites, Respects, Embraces Diversity) creates opportunities for people of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to connect through education, dialogue, cultural events, and community partnerships.

Several community partners will join the celebration. The Swampscott Historical Society will share information about Swampscott’s history and landmarks. Dave Aldrich of Grab the Bagel, a longtime supporter of local nonprofit and community events, will serve Grab the Bagel’s popular Bagel Bites. Other local organizations will also be on hand to share information and ways to become involved.

Whether you’ve been involved with S.U.R.E. Diversity for years or are simply curious to learn more, everyone is welcome. Come celebrate the friendships, partnerships, and community spirit that make Swampscott a place where neighbors connect.

The theme of the afternoon says it all: “Join in and get connected!”

Special thanks to the Swampscott Center for Performing Arts and the many community partners helping make this celebration possible.

All are welcome to this free and lively community event. Light snacks, including Bagel Bites from Grab the Bagel, will be provided. The Dory Room will be open for dining, with food and beverages available for purchase. Reservations are suggested for those wishing to dine.

For more information, visit www.surediversity.org or email info@surediversity.org.