Carol Stream to celebrate its ethnic diversity

Carol Stream officials often like to boast that their village is home to families speaking dozens of languages from countries around the world.

The village will be celebrating that diversity Saturday at the Ross Ferraro Town Center during the fifth annual Culture Counts! multicultural festival.

Dancers and societies representing about a dozen ethnic cultures -- from an Indian dance ensemble to Irish singers and Scandinavian guitarists -- will be performing from 4 to 9 p.m. at the park grounds.

"This year we have a few more cultures that we haven't highlighted in the past," said Chris Oakley, a village assistant.

The festival kicks off at the park's gazebo stage with several local high school students offering a welcome in the native tongue of their ancestors.

Members of the village's youth council will be organizing the painting of a large mural by area school children that helps reflect ethnic diversity in the village.

In addition to the mural, festival participants will be able to get henna tattoos or learn some dance steps by one of several dance troupes.

The festival's food lineup also was tweaked to give residents a taste of different cultures, including Greek kabobs, Italian seasoned chicken and tamales.

"If you really want to be captivated by the color and the pageantry of ethnic culture," Oakley said, "then come greet your neighbors and celebrate the power of diversity."

If you go

What: Fifth annual Culture Counts! multicultural festival

When: 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Ross Ferraro Town Center, Lies Road and Gary Avenue, Carol Stream

Cost: Free

Details: (630) 871-6250