Dorchester-Cambridge Multi-Cultural Festival Set for April 25

CAMBRIDGE -- Plans were made March 11 for the third annual Dorchester-Cambridge Multi-cultural Festival that will be held noon to 5 p.m. Saturday April 25 (el mediodia hasta 5 p.m. el sabado, 25 de abril). The free event with plenty of music, food, games and art for the family will occur on the 600 block of Pine Street. No alcohol will be allowed at this children-friendly festival.

"We want to encourage everyone in the entire community, close to Pine Street, on the outskirts of the community, in the county, outside of the county, and all cultures to please come, show their camaraderie and that they're part of the community, and have fun," said festival committee member Julia Davis.

She added, "We are really hoping that those that come will bring their families and friends and neighbors and enjoy a fantastic time."

Attendees can expect to enjoy the Ragin' Unstoppables Band, Cambridge Police Color Guard, an address by Brother Garrick Cook of the Cambridge Church of Christ, the Gospel Deliverers, the Pleasant Day Funsters, a portrayal of Harriet Tubman by Vernetter Pinder, the Heavenly Sons of Joy, and the Anointed Five.

Except for crafts, some of the children's activities are still in the planning stages. "We want to thank Wendy Hughes of Cambridge for heading up the craft activities for the children," said Portia Johnson-Ennels.

Organizations and individuals partnering together for the festival include the Pine Street Committee, Dorchester Elks Lodge #223, the Cambridge Police Department (CPD), the Dorchester Center for the Arts, Corporal Herman Hughes of the American Legion Post #87, the Maryland State Arts Council, Eugene Camper Sr., the Dorchester County Council, the Dorchester County Tourism Department, WCEM-FM, and Mr. and Mrs. Gary Tyogie Gordy.

"In preparation for the third multi cultural event we have similar partners as previously and we have some new people at the table. We are attempting to grow it and the response so far has been very good," said Jane Devlin.

"On behalf of the Pine Street Committee chairman Jimmy Cornish, we like to thank the Multi-Cultural Committee for working with the Pine Street Committee," Octavene Saunders said.

She continued, "We also thank Portia and Jane for putting together the schedule of events."

Committee members expressed appreciation to Corporal Jose Hernandez of the CCP for his assistance in the creation of Spanish fliers for the event.

All funds raised during the event will remain in Dorchester County and will be placed in the treasury of the Multi-cultural Festival for the 2010 event.