ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - A crowd of more than 8,000 representing many cultures gathered at the Elk Grove Multicultural Festival, presented by Kaiser Permanente, at District 56 on Sept. 14.

The event was sponsored by Amazon Fresh, Kovar’s Martial Arts Academy, Interfaith Council of Elk Grove, Creekside Christian Church and others. The festival started with a parasol parade featuring the Koyasan Taiko Group and Lion Dancers as they strolled by many attendees and continued in front of the outdoor stage to kick off the celebration. 

Musician Neil Nayyar performed the National Anthem on the outdoor music stage using Chinese instruments and called it “a cultural version of the anthem.”

“This event helps us learn about diversity and culture and to help us connect together as one,” Nayyar said.

Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen addressed the dance group and delivered the opening speech that addressed the cultural diversity within Elk Grove.

Tina Lee-Vogt, chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Commission, said that this event does its best to include many cultures that are reflective of the Elk Grove community. For example, the dancers and the Koyasan Taiko Group represented the Asian community.

“I just think it’s a great opportunity for people to learn not only about the City of Elk Grove and different cultures, but what’s great is the number of community groups that provide a lot of information about different services and resources from our sponsors in our community,” Lee-Vogt said.

District 56’s indoor venue hosted several events. The main hall featured dancers of different cultures, including the Calmacac-Casa de Raices (Pre-Columbian Aztec) dance group, the first dance group that performed. On the other side of the indoor venue, an art show displayed works from different cultures.

Although there wasn’t as large a turnout for the art show this year compared to previous years, Elk Grove Artists President Margaret Munson said, “the art was very presentable and displayed cultural diversity.” Some pieces were in relation to military veterans.

“The art show has all sorts of ethnic groups all over the board coming in and supplying their art,” Munson said.

Many vendors displayed their arts and crafts. Jennifer Massey, an artist from Antelope, said that this was her first time partaking in this event and that she was intrigued in seeing people from different groups walking around and interacting with each other.

“It’s bringing a lot of diverse people together,” Massey said. “I can see a lot of people walking around, mingling with each other, like you wouldn't traditionally see when you’re out and about. It’s good to see different people talking to each other in this environment.”

Kristyn Laurence, public affairs manager for Elk Grove, said that this event helped her learn to appreciate other cultures more through personal experience. Laurence has been the staff liaison for the Diversity and Inclusion Commission since 2014. 

“The Diversity and Inclusion Commission continues to encourage people to come out to celebrate their diversity and to learn about other cultures with September being Cultural Awareness Month, but it’s really an effort to do this all year around,” Laurence said. “In October, we’ll be bringing in a small cultural connection event that will highlight our Filipino-American Heritage Month with storytellers that can teach others about their culture.”