District 300 festival celebrates cultural diversity

Hampshire-based Community Unit District 300 will host its second annual Multicultural Festival Sunday at Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee.

The festival, held in partnership with Dundee Township Park District, is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1072 Spring Hill Mall. It is free and open to the public.

Visitors can learn about and experience a diversity of cultures through displays and musical performances, said Nancy Zettler, event co-chairwoman.

New this year is a craft corner where children can participate in making crafts representing different cultures, such as Chinese lanterns, origami, Mexican Day of the Dead masks, African masks and traditional Polish crafts. There also will be an art exhibit showcasing District 300 students' artwork.

Zettler said last year's festival was a huge success drawing nearly 3,000 attendees.

A number of District 300 schools participate in the event. Each school represents a different country with informational booths and presentations derived from students' research, Zettler said.

"We are trying to build on that from last year," she said. "We have some new acts this year. We are adding a Native American drum and dance troupe and an African American drum troupe. Several of the schools are going to have entertainment performances, but we are bringing in groups from the community also. Our goal is to every year make it a little bit bigger and add things."

District 300's African American Parent Advisory Committee came up with the idea for the festival. Its goal is to raise awareness for the importance of celebrating, respecting, and fostering diversity, officials said.

"Our district comprises 27 schools and a diverse population," said Anthony McGinn, District 300 spokesman. "The Multicultural Festival provides a unique opportunity to bring the community together and to celebrate the cultures making up our population."