By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – Event co-chairs Neena Kedia Mohanka and Melisa Hollenback seemed quite pleased with their first International Fair & Diversity event, which was held March 25 at the Scandinavian Athletic Club in Shrewsbury.
With the assistance of a small committee that also included Shannon Wall and Roberta Goldman, the afternoon was full of appreciation for what makes each of us unique while discovering we have quite a lot in common.
“This is just a fantastic event that is celebrating the different cultures and heritages that we have represented here in Shrewsbury,” Shrewsbury School Committee member Jason Palitsch. “Everybody is having a wonderful time and we have many great performers. It’s just a real great celebration of our whole community here in town.”
The event featured several performances, including a patriotic sing-along to a sitar recital, drums, Irish step sancers, bagpipes, Bollywood dancers, classical Indian dance, and a painting demonstration.
There were also informational booths and artisans such as Marion’s Workshop, literacy programs, the Shrewsbury Farmers Market, Moms Demand Action, an educational display about Korea, the Russian Math School, and the Refugee Artisans of Worcester.
Hollenback shared that the event showcased the diversity in the community and added that she is excited about the prospects of expanding the event next year.