Wheaton World Tour celebrates city's diversity

Hundreds of people had a chance to learn more about the various cultures that are present in Wheaton during the second annual Wheaton World Tour Thursday.

"The event is intended to acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our great city of Wheaton, acknowledging that we came from many different places no matter how long we may have lived in town," said Renee Webb, former chairwoman of the city's Community Relations Commission, which co-sponsored the event.

Several nonprofits and local businesses set up tables on the tennis courts at Memorial Park to offer kid-friendly activities and share information about cultural topics.

Some of those organizations included the People's Resource Center, World Relief DuPage, Community School of the Arts, Prairie Path Books and Re: new.

In addition, there were several forms of entertainment, including a demonstration by Essencia Yoga employees, a performance by local string musicians and a poetry reading by an Ethiopian-born resident.

Later, the Wheaton Municipal Band took the stage and played a selection of songs that originated from different parts of the world.

Webb was hopeful that hosting Wheaton World Tour in conjunction with the band concert would help the ensemble gain some exposure. "We thought that this would be a wonderful way to introduce people to the band who may not have otherwise heard them," she said.