Published: August 06, 2008 10:00 am            

Cultural Expo slated for Sunday

Are you IN? You’ve heard it around town and seen it on banners, but what does it mean? The IN will have to be explained in a series of columns, but today we will focus on one of our IN words, International.

On Sunday, the Cultural Expo takes center stage in downtown Dalton. This open air event celebrates the community’s varied ethnic groups as they gather to celebrate diversity, promote understanding and showcase the many unique cultures present in our community.

This event is scheduled from noon until 6 p.m. on on Selvidge Street and the Dalton Green. Enjoy live performances of music and dance, art displays, ethnic foods, outdoor vendors, and children’s fun and games. This expo is being sponsored by the Latin American Community Alliance (ACLA). The Creative Arts Guild, the Downtown Dalton Development Authority and the City of Dalton are partnering with ACLA to make this event a success. There is no admission charge, and food and beverages are available for purchase. Crafts and other items native to each country will be available for purchase as well.

Dalton boasts more than 80 nationalities residing in the region and at least 40 different languages spoken in homes throughout the community. We value the diverse legacies that each individual brings to Dalton. We are fortunate in Dalton to be a small-town community with a truly cosmopolitan air. The different cultures that co-exist here provide us with unlimited opportunities for business and personal growth, understanding and positive experiences when our diversity is viewed as a strength.

The majority of area residents choose to call Dalton home because of the outstanding quality of life we enjoy. Safety, quality schools, excellent health care — these are things we all desire and have in common. Events like the expo offer those of us who hurry through our daily lives a chance to slow down and interact with those whose paths might not ordinarily cross ours. We will all be enriched by the experience!

ACLA invites you to represent your heritage by serving as an ambassador. Any resident within Greater Dalton who has direct descendents from another country can apply to be an ambassador. Ambassadors serve as hosts for their countries and provide the exhibits which feature various elements of their heritage.

The Cultural Expo is a community event that welcomes all families to come and celebrate Dalton as a multicultural and international city. Get a taste of what Dalton’s diversity has to offer at the International Cultural Expo and plan to attend this Sunday. Attending this event is an ideal outing for the entire family.



Stephens is the senior vice president for the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce.

        

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