MCRC Presents: Celebrate Erie's Diversity

The Multicultural Community Resource Center (formerly known as the Hispanic American Council) provides Hispanics, refugees, and other newcomers to American culture with English language classes, vocational training and support, and other social services. Because of their close work with a wide range of cultures, they realize that the talents of their clients remain hidden to many people in Erie. This year the MCRC is collaborating with the Mayor’s Office to showcase our city’s ethnic music, dance, craft and culinary riches during Celebrate Erie.

MCRC is holding a one-day festival at the intersection of 10th and State Street on Saturday, August 21. From noon to 7 p.m. visitors can expect to find a variety of traditional song and dance from Nepal, Africa, Central and South America, Italy, the Ukraine, Bosnia, and more. There will be henna and other traditional craft demonstrations, and tables offering a wide variety of desserts from around the world.

MCRC Board President Jim Globa says, “We want to bring first generation immigrants together with third and fourth generation immigrants. It is good for people learning to adapt to American culture to see that other Americans have also found a way to keep their homeland traditions alive. We like the idea of providing an ethnic festival within the larger Celebrate Erie event.”

Contact Museum Folk Art Coordinator, Kelly Armor for more information.