Concord Multicultural Festival is Celebrating 10 Years

Ten years ago the Concord Area Task Force Against Racism and Intolerance held the first Concord Multicultural Festival on the State House Plaza. It was the fruition of years of discussion that finally came together thanks to a group of volunteers to create an opportunity for Concord residents to welcome their newest neighbors - the refugees and immigrants who were making Concord their new home. Each year, the festival grew in numbers of countries represented, in wonderful food from those countries available for purchase, and in the music and dancing, for children and adults, to tunes from all over the world. This year we are looking forward to the tenth annual Concord Multicultural Festival, which promises to be the best ever.

The 10th Annual Concord Multicultural Festival will take place on Saturday, September 26th from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the State House in Downtown Concord.

The Concord community is home to many different cultures and heritages and what better way to celebrate than with a festival of food, music and fun that brings the whole community together! Festival participants represent many native countries of current Concord community members. Presenters will celebrate their cultures through music, dance, food, crafts, storytelling and other engaging educational experiences.

This year, the festival committee is partnering with NH Food Bank’s Recipe for Success Program. Chef Jayson McCarter and Chef Paul Morrison bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the food service portion of the festival, enhancing the experience for the New American food vendors by not only providing assistance, but education as well. Lincoln Financial Group will be hosting an array of activities this year to engage kids and families, including sand art and necklace beading. Thanks to the support of the NH State Council on the Arts, the festival will feature artisan demonstrations and other community engagement activities.

The committee has also commissioned local Iraqi artist, Saad Hindal to create one of his of his famous Concord paintings to commemorate the festival’s 10th Anniversary. The painting will be reproduced as 12x18 archival prints and sold as a fundraiser for future festivals.

The exceptional diversity of performances, food, and exhibitors are testimony to a new infusion of energy that’s transforming the Concord Multicultural Festival into a must-see (and taste, and hear) event. Organizers are continuing to schedule even more activities and entertainment, so be sure to check the event website and Facebook page frequently.

Presented by the Greater Concord Area Task Force Against Racism & Intolerance, the Festival is made possible with generous support from Lincoln Financial Group, Merrimack County Savings Bank, Unitarian Benevolent Association, Granite United Way, NH State Council on the Arts, Ascentria Care Alliance, Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce and JFogg Events and Promotions.

To learn more about the 10th Annual Concord Multicultural Festival, visit concordNHmulticulturalfestival.org or contact Event Organizer Jessica Fogg Livingston at 603-568-5740 or Jessica@jfoggsocialinspirations.com.

Find the latest schedule and event updates at facebook.com/ConcordNHMulticulturalFestival.

The Greater Concord Area Task Force Against Racism & Intolerance’s mission is to raise local awareness of those newly arriving in our community, and appreciation for cultural diversity, with the hope increased awareness, supported by educational programs, will inspire neighbors to accept, welcome and assist our newest community members.