Saturday, January 16, 2010

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chandler Public Library Courtyard

22 S. Delaware Place

Chandler’s 15th Annual Multicultural Festival will highlight the cultural diversity of our community through music, dance, art, storytelling and more. Children will also enjoy our Interactive Area for Kids where they can experience a rockwall, bouncer, coloring, and arts & crafts. Everyone can enjoy great food from different cultures, information on our sponsors and organizations that promote cultural diversity, along with arts & crafts that represent various cultures.

Admission is FREE to all of the Chandler Multicultural Festival events.

Announcing the entertainment schedule for this year's Multicultural Festival!

Celebration Stage

11-11:30 am              The Hype & Glory

• Childsplay Performance of Androcles and the Lion 
  For the fourth straight year Childsplay will present a special production by creator David Saar. This year's production is titled: Androcles and the Lion. A story of runaway slave Androcles, who helps a lion by removing a thorn from his paw.  Later the lion gets a chance to repay the favor.  Ancient Rome provides the backdrop for this delightfully humorous musical adaptation of one of Aesop’s favorite fables, presented in classic Commedia dell’arte style and exploring issues of friendship, trust and freedom. The Childsplay performance of Androcles and the Lion will be in the Community Center at 4 p.m.  Get your FREE tickets at the Information Booth at the Multicultural Festival. 

• Naturalization Ceremony
  New and exciting to this year’s festival will be a special Naturalization Ceremony conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 10 people from 10 different countries around the world will become American Citizens during a ceremony that begins at 12:30 pm on the Unity Stage.

• Exhibit on the Buffalo Soldiers
  New to this year's festival is an exhibit on the Buffalo Soldiers.  The Buffalo Soldiers carry on the great legacy and traditions of the original Buffalo Soldiers of 1866, by assisting with donations, fundraisers, and exhibitions in order to preserve all historic Buffalo Soldier Sites, buildings, and foundations. The club is also an active participant in charitable functions including the support of toys for tots, student scholarships, fund drives for charitable organizations, and disabled veterans. Arizona and Ft. Huachuca was the home of the 9th and 10th Calvary during the Indian Wars. Their battle reputation and respect that the warrior American Indians (Native Americans) gave them created a legacy and a proud tradition. Our Historian Lee Warren, of the 9th & 10th Horse Calvary, has been an integral link to The History Of: The Buffalo Soldiers. Lee has recorded video documentaries and talked about the legacy of Lt. Henry O. Flippers’ life as a Buffalo Soldier. They are also actively involved in recognizing the accomplishments and sacrifices of the all black 555th Parachute Regiment. The 555th Parachute Regiment of World War II and Korean War fame, is nick-named Triple Nickel.
    
• Tolerance Exhibit
  Experience a small glimpse into the life and times of Anne Frank and modern day genocides. Please Note: Some materials in this exhibit may not be suitable for all ages.
    
• Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) Demonstration & Interactive Area
  CGCC is proud to present an afternoon of activities in which the entire family can participate and learn about the world’s cultures. Demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    
• Around the World in Downtown Chandler
  A self-guided tour of the festival and downtown to experience food, activities and music that represent our local businesses and their uniqueness. Presented by the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership. Pick up passports at the DCCP Booth.

  
 
Event History

In 1995, the Friends of the Chandler Public Library established the Chandler Multicultural Festival to bring the community together for a fun-filled day of art, music, and dance while also learning a little more about the rich cultural diversity that exists in our community. The festival has grown into a signature event for the City and offers a quality arts experience in the comfortable setting of the downtown Chandler Public Library!  

The Multicultural Festival is a part of the Celebration of Unity annual events, for more information on all these events, click here. 

Businesses, organizations, and nonprofits interested in being a vendor at the Chandler Multicultural Festival should read the information sheet below and complete the application (PDF or online).

• Multicultural Festival Vendor Info Sheet & Print Application (PDF)
• Multicultural Festival Online Vendor Application 

Deadline to apply for vendor space is Friday, December 18, 2009.

Chandler Special Events Hotline
480-782-2735