'One Greenport Cultural Festival' Unfolds Sunday In Mitchell Park

GREENPORT, NY — The entire Greenport community will come together Sunday in the first-ever One Greenport Cultural Festival, to be held in Mitchell Park from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will feature music, dance and art in a celebration of the community's diversity, said Greenport Village Trustee Doug Roberts, who helped to organize the day with the One Greenport Coalition, a group created to give the disenfranchised a voice and to make all feel welcomed.

On the roster to perform are the Columbian guitar duo Octavio Pedraza, a Guatemalan dance troupe, the MainStage Dance Academy, the Jus B 'Cus gospel choir featuring Russell Smith, music by the Greenport Elementary School chorus, and Pankesito the Clown. Artwork from Greenport students will be displayed in front of the carousel.

While no food will be sold at the event, guests are invited to bring a picnic. In addition, finger foods will be available at Tikal, provided by St. Agnes, at around noon.

A rain date of June 11 has been scheduled.

The event poster was designed by Leslie Perez, a junior at Greenport High School, Roberts added.

Robert, who has advocated for art, music and dance in Mitchell Park by local school groups and organizations since taking office, said he's pleased to see the community, including Latino residents, come together to embrace the arts and the cultural diversity that comprises the fabric of Greenport Village.

He added that he hopes the festival will grow in the future.

Greenport Schools Superintendent David Gamberg agreed. "I think it is a great way to showcase the diversity in our community and the school is a central part of Greenport. Artwork, song and dance will reflect the vibrancy of our learning community. I am looking forward to this being an annual tradition in Greenport."

Greenport Village Trustee Mary Bess Phillips is also anticipating the festival. "Any event that will motivate our community, this Village of Greenport, to come together with respect for each other is worth the effort," she said.