Celebrate CultureFest 2005

Community Celebrates Diversity Through CultureFest 2005
CultureFest 2005 is slated for Saturday, March 5, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the Athletic and Convocation Center on the Milton campus. The multicultural festival is an all-school (K-12) event that is held every other year.

CultureFest is a celebration of diversity and an opportunity to share about ourselves and to appreciate each other. "We think of 'multicultural' in a very broad sense. We celebrate international culture but also regional diversity," says Heather Flewelling, director of student multicultural programs and event organizer. "All students and their families can make a rich contribution. We want to celebrate American geographic diversity, as well as ethnic and cultural diversity," she says.
CultureFest also delights the senses: The community will enjoy music, dancing and food. Booths will be brightly decorated with flags and country or regional artifacts. Some people will come in national dress. Community-building is another valuable event outcome, according to Heather. At a recent CultureFest, a Japanese-born mother of a Lower School student served dumplings and, beside her, was an American boy who had lived in Japan with his family; he was making origami. Together, families shared with the community a culture that they both cared about.
At each festival, more than 150 community members contribute to the day's success. This year, families were also invited to contribute cultural displays, ethic or regional foods, performances related to culture or geographic region, flags or dress related to identity, arts and crafts demonstrations and more.

Event performances are anchored by the festival's headline group: In the spirit of CultureFest, Spirit of Africa will play this year, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Fitzgibbons Convocation Center. In 2003, Wildest Dreams, with members from around the world, performed for families. At CultureFest 2001, Sol Y Conto—a winner of the Boston Music Award for Best Latin Band—performed. Other groups and individuals connected to the Milton community joined in. Among the performances were Irish step-dancing, Korean traditional string instrument and drums, a blues performance and a traditional Chinese dance.
Student groups that have participated include Onyx, the Celtic Club, Jewish Student Union, Common Ground, French Club, Spanish Club, Middle Eastern Club and GASP (Gay and Straight People).

"This event is really our mission statement coming to life," Heather says. "Our mission focuses on learning, respect for others, diversity, and building confidence and creativity within an active learning environment."

"Most of all, it's fun, energetic, colorful-and full of wonderful sights, sounds and smells," she adds. "You feel like you've traveled around the world."

The celebration alternates years with the topic-based Seminar Day, which is the educational complement to the celebratory CultureFest. CultureFest is sponsored by the Diversity Planning Office, the Community Relations Office, the Student Activities Office and Common Ground, a student group dedicated to dialogue on diversity. Hope Rupley, student activities director, is co-planning the event with Heather.

Volunteers are still needed. Anyone interested in contributing food, performances or an extra hand can contact Heather Flewelling at Heather_Flewelling@milton.edu.

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