If you thought Concord was solely inhabited by a bunch of pasty white guys in suits, think again.
There's a perse mix of refugees and immigrants who call the city home, too. The folks on the Greater Concord Task Force Against Racism and Intolerance created the Concord Multicultural Festival to showcase the community's ethnic persity and help break down cultural barriers. The festival returns to the State House lawn this weekend.
Now in its fifth year, the festival will feature a multitude of activities sure to keep you on your toes. There'll music, dancing, art, crafts for sale, a raffle, informational exhibits, and, of course, food, so don't leave home without your appetite.
To wow even the most discerning palates, vendors will be serving up out-of-this-world fare, from Bhutanese, Middle Eastern and Somali flavors to Greek, Mexican, Indian and Chinese dishes. There will even be French and French Canadian food, not to mention options for vegans in the bunch.
When you're done chowing down, shake your booty to some live music. African and Native American drummers will be on hand, along with Rwandan dancers, Bhutanese chanters, Nepalese singers, rappers, the West African and a Latin DJ, to name a few.
Chalk up your creative side with The New Hampshire Chapter of the National Women's Caucus for Art. They'll be there to oversee an event new to the festival this year: Using sidewalk chalk, festival attendees of all ages are invited to create artwork around the State House with symbols that have universal meanings (hearts, handprints, etc.).
The goal of the festival is two-fold, said Nancy Jo Chabot, one of the event's creators. First, it's a good way to help welcome newcomers to the community feel welcome. It's also meant to introduce Concord residents to their new neighbors and help them appreciate the cultural richness they bring to the area.
“This is really an opportunity for people to embrace and celebrate our persity,” Chabot said.
Concord isn't the only city getting in on the multicultural action: Be sure to check out Laconia's annual Multicultural Market Day on Sept. 11 and Manchester's People Fest on Aug. 26.
For more information, visit their websites: laconiamulticulturalmarketday.org and peoplefestnh.org.
