Sixth annual Diversity Festival set for Oct. 13 at Event Center

Rossmoor’s sixth annual Diversity Festival will take place at the Event Center from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The festival has been very popular since it started in 2021, as an opportunity to explore and celebrate the many cultures represented in Rossmoor that contribute to the richness of living here.

The opening ceremony will be at 10:30, with welcomes by representatives of Rossmoor, the city of Walnut Creek and the German Club-Stammtisch. A total of 15 ethnic or cultural clubs are participating this year; 14 of them will have table displays to learn more about their culture: African Americans and Friends; Caledonian Society of Rossmoor; Chinese American Association of Rossmoor; Entre Amigos; Filipino American Association of Rossmoor; Hawaii State Club; India Club; Irish American Culture Club; Italian American Club of Rossmoor; Japanese-American Club; Korean American Club; Rossmoor Lesbian Social Club; Rossmoor LGBTQ+ Alliance; and Voices for Justice in Palestine.

The new element this year with be “Cultural Textile Exhibits” from 10:50 a.m. to noon, in which five clubs will display textiles associated with their ethnicity or culture and another Rossmoor resident will share some of her collection from Asia. This replaces the Fashion Parade of the past three years.

The Cultural Showcase returns from noon to 12:25 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m., in which nine clubs (including the Chinese Performing Arts Club) will give showcase presentations, from entertainment of different kinds to some informational talks. Flyers are now available that give the schedule for the day, including those of the Showcase (except the Irish club and LGBTQ+ Alliance have since switched performance times).

A lunch break (12:30 to 1 p.m.) is planned into this year’s schedule. Lunch options include: the City Star Shawarma food truck (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.); The Golden Pear Coffee trailer, which will have sandwiches that day as well as drinks until 1; and, of course, The Golden Pear itself. DJ Tina Carion will provide music during the lunch break. Coffee and water will also be available in the Event Center.

The photo booth will return. Residents are invited to wear traditional dress from their culture (although nothing political) and to take individual or group pictures at the booth.

Carpooling is strongly encouraged, since the Event Center parking lot may fill up. Residents can also call Dial-aBus (1-925-988-7676), an hour ahead, for transportation to and from the festival.

“Diversity Makes Us Stronger” T-shirts will be available for purchase ($20, until they run out) at a Diversity Festival table in Peacock Plaza during the Farmers’ Market on Friday, Oct. 2 and 9.

The Diversity Festival is a joint effort of the Diversity Consciousness Committee (DCC) of the Rossmoor Interfaith Council, Rossmoor Advocates for Diversity (RAD) and Rossmoor Walnut Creek’s Recreation Department. Contact Joe Easley at easyjoe1947@gmail.com for more information.