Concord Multicultural Festival Celebrates 10 Years

By Jessica Fogg Livingston

About 14 years ago, the Greater Concord Area Task Force Against Racism and Intolerance began coordinating community discussions. During the 2004 discussion titled “The Changing Face of Concord: Racial, Ethnic & Cultural Diversity,” nearly everyone involved recognized the importance of street festivals to the civic life of Concord, so it was decided that a big outdoor party was the ideal way to advance the goals of racial and ethnic tolerance and understanding in our small but quickly changing community.

Now in its 10th year, the Concord Multicultural Festival has been infused with a new energy that will continue to make this event an annual staple in the Concord community. Participants in the festival come from many of the countries represented in the Concord community. Participants are invited to celebrate their native cultures through music, dance, food, crafts, storytelling and other educational means appropriate to a small festival.

The mission of the event is to raise local awareness of those newly arriving in our community and appreciation for cultural diversity with the hope that increased awareness, supported by educational programs, will inspire our neighbors to accept, welcome and assist the newest members of our community.

This year’s event will be held on Sept. 26, 2015, from 2 to 6 p.m. on the Statehouse lawn. The event will celebrate the diversity of the Capital Region with delectable ethnic foods, cultural performances, engaging activities and so much more.

This event is presented by the Greater Concord Area Task Force Against Racism and Intolerance and JFogg Social Inspirations.