Maryland Cambridge-Dorchester Multi-cultural Festival Draws 400

CAMBRIDGE--About 400 people came out Saturday to this year's Dorchester-Cambridge Multi-cultural festival to enjoy food and entertainment in the 600 block of Pine Street. The Hip Hop group, The Young Sluggaz, drew a number of young people to the event as they performed later that afternoon.

The whole parking lot of the Empowerment Center was reserved as the Kids' Zone, marked by a large brightly colored sign that said "Kids" created by Cambridge Church of Christ member Julia Davis with the help of Cambridge-South Dorchester High School students Coree Duncan and Brittany Byrd. The Kids Zone was a safe place for children to enjoy crafts, face and arm painting, and games like four-square, yard golf, badminton and ball toss.

Beginning at noon and continuing to 5 p.m., the event was designed to bridge the various ethnic cultures of Dorchester County by providing an alcohol and drug free, family friendly atmosphere.

"It's pretty nice. It's something positive for the children. It helps the community come together as a family," said Byron Thomas. "People get to see some old faces and some new faces, and people get the chance to work together as a team."

Bruce Butler of Trappe said Talbot County also had a festival.

"We started our festival ten years ago and it has been very successful. It has been a wonderful way to bring the whole community together and celebrate the cultural diversity of our community as it is done here in Cambridge. It's really nice that Dorchester County has a festival," he said.

John Hutchison, also of Talbot County, added, "We get to know and understand other people and see that though people are different, they are still nice, they're OK and acceptable."

He continued, "We also learn new things. I just got some new food here that I have never had before and would like to try. I never knew what a yock was, but I'm going to find out."

Kevin Lee, who lives at the Bradford House which is not far from the 600 block of Pine Street said, "It's good to get out and get around and enjoy life. I thank the Lord for another beautiful day and waking up and seeing the people."

This was the second festival for Yasmaine Sharp, who said, "I'm loving it and each time it gets better and better. I like the singing for the Lord. I like the dancing for the Lord and it's real good."

She continued, "About two years ago I was out here on drugs. I have been clean for one year, three months and 26 days. Jesus did it. I didn't do any of it."

The Reverend Garrick Cook, senior minister of the Cambridge Church of Christ, said, "This is a great community event and it's a chance to get out and see the people and mingle some. You get to know them and they get to know you.

"We're one big family. We are all created by the One same God. This is an outstanding event," he said.

"I think it's pretty cool. Everybody is coming together. I think it is a great day of sharing. Everyone is gathering around talking to each other," said Paul Baiers.

His wife, Sharon, added, "I think it is good to see people together dancing and eating good food."

This was the first festival for the Baiers since they moved from Prince George's County to Cambridge three years ago.

When asked what they thought of Dorchester, Mrs. Baiers said, "It's a little slower than where we came from, but it is coming along. It's moving and growing. It's a nice place to raise a family."