Event in York to celebrate cultural diversity

Saturday's event aimed at 'unity,' 'healing'

The second annual International and Culture Festival Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 18, at Farqhuar and Kiwanis Lake parks in York.

The event aims to "promote ethnic community entrepreneurship, world peace and unity, and universal healing," according to SOF CORE LLC, which is hosting the event.

The festival will commence with a youth procession and traditional ceremonies honoring ancestors. Throughout the day, there will be food, spoken word performances, as well as cultural music and dancing "embracing the vibes of Africa, the Caribbean Islands."

Among the many groups in attendance, performers featured include:

• Grufolpawa-Panamanian Dance Troupe.
• Native American Traditional Dancers. 
• Cafe' Folklore Dance Troupe (Puerto Rico).
• Traditional Japanese Fan Dancers.
• Japanese Taiko Drumming.
• Belly dancers.
• Capoeira.
• Traditional African drumming and dancers. 

Focus on health, social awareness 

The festival will also feature appearances by diverse performers and speakers, numerous services offered by holistic health practitioners and various health screenings. Information regarding hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, hearing and vision, and other health-related issues will be made available to the public.

Cultural and traditional performances will take place to raise awareness of local and global environmental issues. Global projects such as the Jamaican Association Literacy Project and the Humanitarian Relief Project for the Lakota Reservations will be recognized and will be welcoming on-going donations of winter coats and blankets.

Representatives from various organizations will be present at the event, including:

• The Jamaican National Association.
• National Congress of Black American Indians.
• Soka Gakkai International.
• WellSpan.
• YWCA

For more information, call Nicole Peart at 717-916-8840 or email nicopea1974@gmail.com.

The International and Culture Festival Expo is hosted by SOF CORE LLC, in partnership with YaaYaa Girls and The League of Exceptional Athletes (LOEA), Cal Weary and the Weary Arts Group, YWCA and Hispanic Coalition (CHJH).