Diversity Plaza
Sept. 6, 2016 By Hannah Wulkan
Diversity Plaza is hosting a free day of family fun for the second year running.
Friends of Diversity Plaza, a community group based out of Jackson Heights, is co-hosting a Family Day with a cultural focus at Diversity Plaza on September 24 with Councilman Daniel Dromm.
The event, located right off of the Roosevelt Avenue stop, will offer a day full of performances from many cultures, as well as activities for children ranging from a puppet show to meeting Mr. Met.
“The aim of the event and the plaza itself is to celebrate the different cultures and diversity of Jackson Heights,” said Eirik Davey-Gislason, one of the founding members of Friends of Diversity Plaza.
The primary focus of the event will be the main stage, with acts celebrating cultures from all over the world, including dance groups ranging from contemporary Bollywood style to Irish step dancing to traditional Mexican dance. There will also be a performance by Deum Band, a United States Tennis Association demonstration, and many other unique acts.
“One of my favorite things about these events is seeing so many people from all over the neighborhood gather and meet, with so many different languages and cultures. It’s such a diverse group that comes together to celebrate,” Davey-Gislason said.
He explained that though there would be some similarities and differences to last year’s event, he believes that this year they “raised the bar” by expanding the cultural reach of the event, while maintaining the parts of the event that were popular last year.
Particularly popular last year, Davey-Gislason said, was Mr. Met, the Mets mascot, and he will be returning this year to meet and take photos with fans.
Davey-Gislason estimated that between 200 and 300 people attended last year, and expects a similar turnout this year.
“We really encourage everyone to come by even if they’re just passing through,” he said. “Even if they can just carve out an extra hour or half hour to come celebrate the diversity of our community.”
More information on the event can be found on the Friends of Diversity Plaza Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfDiversityPlaza/.
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