Events

2^nd Annual FESTIVAL OF MANY NATIONS

Celebrating Diversity on the Northside of Syracuse

Syracuse, NY -- In recent years the Northside of Syracuse has been seen as a community plagued with crime, drugs, and violence. Now, through a collaborative model, the Northside community is making initial steps to improve itself. One collaborative project that was a great success last summer and is once again taking place this year is the “Festival of Many Nations” on Saturday, September 6^th, 2008.

From the first Italian, German, and Irish immigrants that arrived over a hundred years ago, to the Sudanese, Vietnamese, and Burmese who have recently settled in this community, there has always been a great cultural mix present on the North side of Syracuse. Although this diverse community has been present for some time, its ethnic range has not been celebrated much in the recent past. Last year the community had an opportunity to change this by celebrating diversity, and once again this year, the 2^nd Annual Festival of Many Nations will aim to further highlight the beauties of the different cultures in our community.

The festival will be held on Saturday, September 6^th, from noon to six in the evening, right in the heart of “Little Italy.” The festival will be located in the parking lot of the Franciscan Church of the Assumption, on the corner of N. Salina Street and Isabella Street. It will have a “block party” atmosphere to it and will have a diverse range of activities highlighting the different cultures present on the North side. There will be a variety of foods for sale, live music and dance celebrating the different cultures, a kids zone with several inflatable games, face painters, an art exhibit, a book giveaway, and plenty of other entertainment.

To make this festival a success, Franciscan Collaborative Ministries (FCM) is working collaboratively with residents, local organizations, community groups, and business owners. Similarly, the group has been able to get grant funding from Senator John A. DeFrancisco and the Gifford Foundation, as well as sponsorship from Cooperative Federal Credit Union, Le Moyne College, St. Josephs Hospital, Weed and Seed, Aux Records, and Lewis Uniform Co. Through these great partnerships, the Festival of Many Nations will be a fun and culturally educational time for all who come out and partake in the event.