Get Set for 5th Annual Port Chester Fest on Saturday

The 5th annual is set for Saturday.

celebrates local diversity and community through art, music, and family activities. The event showcases musicians from around the world, while providing fun-filled, creative art workshops. 

Last year, more than 2,500 people attended .

Utilizing art and music, the festival is designed to promote a positive image of Port Chester. of the says that not only does this event bring the community together, but residents play a big role in the planning and facilitation of Port Chester Fest.

He said that input from diverse populations helps to increase the reach of the event, and also mobilizes the community around something positive. Lipka said another key aspect of Port Chester Fest is the opportunity to link people with community resources. 

More than 25 community service organization and local programs are slated to be part of the event to share information and opportunities with participants in the festival.

For the first time, Port Chester Fest will be combined with the . The Health Fair offers free health screening, including blood pressure, BMI, HIV, vision, podiatry, etc. 

Health organizations will also provide expert information on bicycle safety, skin care, back pains, and much more. This event also promotes physical activities to keep the community active, children’s activities, and a teddy bear clinic. 

Lipka said Port Chester and the surrounding communities represent one of the most diverse regions of Westchester County.  And, every aspect of Port Chester Fest is designed to be inclusive and representative of the community. 

The 2012 lineup includes the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, Italian classical performances by Malena Dayen, a Multicultural fashion show starring local children and families, the Bethesda Baptist Church Intergenerational Choir, a Zumba Fitness Party, Capoeira with Mestre Bom Jesus, Bolivian sensation Markax Laiku Bolivia with Port Chester’s own Bolivian Carnival dancers, and local R&B star Curtis Winchester.

There will be a variety of family workshops including the Clay Art Center, international face-painting with Miguel Cossio, Community Art with Tova Snyder, Westchester Children’s Museum, Rye Arts Center, Printmaking, Open Door Recess Rocks, the Rye Nature Center and more.  These workshops provide a wonderful environment for people of all ages to work together, express their creativity, and learn about different cultures. 

Here is what's happening:

Port Chester Fest: Live music starts at noon and goes till 6 p.m.

Community Health Fair: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

New Location: 120 Purdy Ave. (between Don Bosco Pl. and Grace Church St.)

Port Chester Fest is sponored by the United Way of Westchester and Putnam, the Helen Andrus Benedict Foundation, ArtsWestchester, NYS Council of the Arts, the Don Bosco Community Center, Saving our Society, Stop&Shop, the Village of Port Chester and Doral Arrowwood.