Bring the Change and Reading’s 275th anniversary committee partner to celebrate the city’s diversity

This year’s Berks Cultural Diversity Festival will coincide with Reading’s 275th anniversary parade.

Scheduled for Oct. 1, both events will celebrate Reading’s rich history, culture and diversity, according to a recent announcement.

“It’s a perfect confluence of events to have the 275th anniversary parade and the diversity festival occur on the same day,” City Council President Donna Reed said in a news release.

Now in its fourth year, the annual festival is organized by Bring the Change to promote and celebrate the vibrant cultural heritage of Berks County by fostering an environment of respect, appreciation and acceptance of multiculturalism.

“Reading is truly a perfect example of the American melting pot,” she said, noting the city’s residents represent more than 60 nationalities of origin. “Highlighting that on Oct. 1 will showcase the pride this city has in its diversity.”

Reed, who also is a member of the anniversary steering committee, said from its start the committee’s collective goal was to be inclusive of all city residents.

Events will begin at 10 a.m. with a parade up Penn Street, starting at Second Street and ending at the entrance to City Park on 11th Street.

Planned by the anniversary steering committee, the parade will feature marching bands, floats and community organizations and groups.

The festival in the park will start at noon, following the parade.

The event will feature traditional cuisine, games and arts with an array of music, dance and other performances representing the various cultures found in the county.

There also will be displays, educational materials and activities, local vendors and food and beverage trucks.

This will be the fourth annual festival organized by Bring the Change.

The organization works to create sustainable communities through education and the power of cultural diversity.

Both events are free to attend.

For more information on the parade, visit www.readingpa.gov/visitors/275.

To learn more about the festival, visit www.bringthechange.net/, call 484-509-1145 or email info@bringthechange.net.

Source: Berkshire mont