UPDATE (May 2): Due to upcoming severe weather, the Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair on Saturday, May 4, at Skypark has been postponed. A new date for the third annual event is set for Sept. 7.
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The United States of America is the ultimate melting pot of cultures, and the City of Scotts Valley is no exception.
Just like other towns across the country, Scotts Valley endeavors to celebrate its diversity, and the third annual Multicultural Fair being held at Skypark on Saturday, May 4, from 10:30am-3:30pm, is a great way to extol that virtue.
This free event is meant to create community amongst locals and demonstrate the richness of Scotts Valley’s residents.
Co-chairs Christina McQueen, Ashley Perlitch, Amee Sawhney and Tanya Krause, along with a committee of dedicated teachers and community members, have been working hard to plan this event for months. All are volunteers who feel strongly in the event’s mission and are eager to bring the festivities to life.
According to Perlitch, the Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair was initiated through a collaborative effort involving various community organizations, individual members, the Scotts Valley Unified School District and the City of Scotts Valley. Recognizing the richness of multiculturalism in Scotts Valley and its surroundings, these entities came together to create an event that celebrates and embraces the diverse cultures and traditions present in the area.
With a shared goal of fostering a stronger sense of community, the fair aims to unite residents in a shared appreciation for diversity. Through various activities and experiences, it endeavors to promote connections and understanding among people of different backgrounds while advancing inclusivity and unity within the community.
Sawhney said the Multicultural Fair was created to be a joyful event with festive interactive booths, music and dance performances and food representing many different parts of the world.
Goals for this community celebration include broadening the community’s understanding and appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity present here in Scotts Valley, and building connections, especially for youth.
Over the past few years, this event has helped achieve these goals while also being a fun way to spend a day with family, friends and neighbors.
While all ages are welcome to participate in the celebration, children are provided with a passport book upon arrival at the Information Booth. They can then take these passports around to visit all the booths of countries and cultures, and get their passports stamped.
Each booth is run by community volunteers showcasing their culture with information about their culture, traditions, clothes, holidays and food. They will have some sort of free craft or activity to partake in, as well.
Simultaneously, there will be colorful, festive performances on the stage during the entire event, including performances by music departments of all four Scotts Valley Unified School District schools (Brook Knoll Elementary, Vine Hill Elementary, Scotts Valley Middle and Scotts Valley High), and also many professional performers performing a variety of dances, including Balinese, Hawaiian, flamenco, tango, Mexican folklórico, Greek, Indian and African and Brazilian drumming, just to name a few.
Musical and dance team performances are coordinated by renowned local director Tandy Beal.
Attendees can bring a refillable water bottle, as complimentary water will be provided by Pure Valley Water. While there will be some seating available for performances, guests are welcome to bring their own chairs and picnic blankets for added comfort.
In terms of offerings, attendees can expect a diverse range of food and beverage options available for purchase at the food court, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences. All of the interactive experiences are designed to celebrate and showcase the multiculturalism of Scotts Valley and its surrounding areas.
Admission is free. Information regarding the event may be found at scottsvalleymcf.com.
