Community Corner

20th Annual International Festival Moves from Basking Ridge to Somerville YMCA, Oct. 18

Through music, dance, costume, cuisine and games, the festival celebrates many diverse cultures.

By Meg Laska

Somerset County YMCA is pleased to announce that the 20th Annual International Festival celebrating cultural diversity throughout the world and in our community will be held at Somerville YMCA on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Previously held at Somerset Hills YMCA in Basking Ridge, the festival will move to Somerville YMCA, a more central location in the county, for the first time.

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Through music, dance, costume, cuisine and games, the festival celebrates many diverse cultures.

This volunteer-led event will provide kids with “passports” to get stamped when they visit countries represented at the International Festival, which include Holland, Macedonia, India, Pakistan, Paraguay, Tanzania, Dominican Republic and more. A fun fashion walk will showcase native costumes from around the globe.

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All in Somerset County are welcome. The event from 1:30 to 4 p.m. is free, with a suggested donation which will go to the Y’s World Campaign supporting YMCAs throughout the world that offer services in areas with difficult social and economic conditions.

“This is a great opportunity to learn about and celebrate the diverse cultures that make up our community,” said Sylvia Velez, Director of Volunteer Engagement at the Y, “I am always inspired by the many volunteers who, for 20 years, have come together to create this spectacular celebration.”

“We’re excited to be bringing this event to Somerville YMCA for the first time and look forward to providing an opportunity for everyone to experience and enjoy the different cultures of our communities.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring foreign currency to the festival, which also will be donated to the Ys World Service Campaign. For more information on the event, visit www.somersetcountyymca.org or contact Sylvia Velez at 908-630-3530.


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