World Diversity Day Children’s Festival Debuts Oct. 8 In Freehold

FREEHOLD, NJ — Live performances and fun activities for kids are on tap for the first area World Diversity Day Children’s Festival at Lake Topanemus Park in Freehold.

The family-friendly, outdoor event goes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 8 and will celebrate diverse cultures and encourage acceptance of others with stories, sing-alongs, dancing, crafts, choirs, book giveaways and more, organizers say.

The inaugural event was supposed to be held May 21 on World Diversity Day but had to be postponed due to COVID issues. But organizers are ready for what they hope becomes an annual event, said Susan Meltsner, a publicist for the event.

The lineup includes authors reading from their books, a Nigerian Village display, basketball drill demonstrations by We Are the Future, and a Ukrainian Children’s chorus – to name a few.

The festival – which is free and open to the public – will have hands-on activities ideal for 5 to 10-year-olds.

The motto of the event is "It’s never too early to become familiar with diverse cultures and learn to respect people whose customs, abilities or backgrounds are not identical to our own."

“Grade school children and their families will experience diverse ethnicities, abilities and identities in a fun filled outdoor atmosphere,” says Rick Aaronson of Manalapan, who brought together volunteers from community, faith-based, cultural and social justice organizations to plan the day.

To find out more about the World Diversity Day Children’s Festival, including the groups and individuals planning to perform and participate, contact Aaronson at 732-740-3806 or rickaaronson@optonline.net.

See the event page on Facebook, too.