Polish culture surrounded me growing up. Pierogi and kielbasa showed up on the dinner table seemingly every week. Polish radio and music filled our years, and if you couldn’t find a white-and-red flag or the symbol of a white eagle in any given room, you must have left our home.
Both of my parents immigrated to the United States from Poland in the early 2000s but never left their roots behind. I never lived in Poland myself, but I might as well have with all the traditions and cultural idiosyncrasies I grew up practicing. It’s something I always look forward to when flying back home to the west coast for holidays.
I’m really grateful for my upbringing and the swath of unique cultural experiences that came along with it. I’ve also always jumped at the chance to immerse myself in other cultures — and what better way to do that than to attend the annual Multicultural Festival in Concord this weekend?
At Keach Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, the festival brings together rich cultures from around the world, represented by local Granite Staters. The festival aims to create “opportunities for people to share traditions, build relationships, and celebrate the diversity that strengthens our community,” according to its website.
Some hallmark features of the event include a variety of performances, food, art and activities that represent over 70 cultures from across the globe. For its 19th year, the theme is “the courage to connect,” and the celebration invites anyone to share their stories of welcoming and inclusion.
Some other events to look forward to this week include Canterbury Shaker Village’s Shaker Barn Dance on Friday from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is the last folk-contra dance of the year, something popularized by Dudley Laufman, who passed away in July. The event is perfect for families, friends and visitors of any skill level to engage with a timeless tradition.
The next day, at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, AerospaceFest will host a day of “celebrating all things space, aviation, Earth science, and STEM.” From 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, visitors can see how local companies, universities and nonprofits are contributing to science and education. Demonstrations and hands-on activities will be featured throughout the exhibit halls, and don’t miss out on the new planetarium show.
For a live music performance, check out The Womps at Lithermans Limited Brewery on Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. The two-piece fusion rock jam band from Portland, Maine, brings a funky sound that mixes with their rock n’ roll roots, making sure no two performances are the same. Indulge in a beer while getting down to eclectic tunes and songwriting.
Summer may be coming to a close, but there is still a lot of liveliness to enjoy as the leaves change colors and the air gets chillier!
