Palm Bay Multicultural Festival Celebrates Us All

The United States is truly a diverse nation, with the most immigrants of any country in the world, representing almost every other country. Data from the Pew Research Center puts it in perspective:

• About 1/5 of the world’s migrants (almost 40 million people) are living in the U.S. 
• The top three countries of origin are Mexico, China and India.
• About 45% live in only three states — California, Texas and Florida.
• Immigrants make up about 13.7% of the U.S. population. And I am one of them, as I was born in Canada. 

From outer space, astronauts cannot see country borders, only Earth in its entirety. Scientists also found that race is a social construct. The Human Genome Project found 99.9% identical genomes in every person around the globe. Differences exist among various ethnic groups due to one’s cultural experiences and the environment where one grows up, but not due to one’s DNA.

Because human beings are so much alike, yet have different cultural experiences, it is important to celebrate our similarities and our differences. With Palm Bay being the largest city in Brevard County, the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the City of Palm Bay are hosting the inaugural Palm Bay Multicultural Festival. With support from the Space Coast Office of Tourism, the Palm Bay Multicultural Festival is scheduled for Sept. 18 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the Fred Poppe Regional Park, located off Malabar Road and St. John’s Heritage Parkway.

The Palm Bay Multicultural Festival is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate different cultures of the world in one place and at one time. The day will include cultural displays and demonstrations at individual booths, themed food trucks and a vendor marketplace.  

Throughout the day, the main stage will feature music, dance, cultural costumes and presentations. There is something for the whole family including children’s activities.

Those having their own festivals can participate and advertise their own upcoming events. Brevard Caribbean American Sports & Cultural Association (BCASCA), West Indian Caribbean Culture & Sports (WICCS), Indiafest Brevard, Native Rhythms, VIVA Brevard, Japanese Cultural Group, Westside Elementary School Steel Drums Band and more are already on board to participate. 

There is no cost for cultural groups to participate and attendance is FREE. Spots are still available for the marketplace that will include local vendors, crafts and farmers market produce. Sponsorship opportunities also exist for this amazing event, as marketing targets not just Brevard but also the surrounding counties. 

Palm Bay Multicultural Festival

Sept. 18, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Fred Poppe Regional Park

More: greaterpalmbaychamber.com/events 

321-951-9998

Nancy@GreaterPalmBayChamber.com

Nancy Peltonen serves as President/CEO with The Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on a committee for the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, while always finding time to volunteer with local organizations and travel the world.