Shrewsbury groups to co-host 2nd Annual International Fair & Diversity Celebration

By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Shrewsbury – The Shrewsbury Farmers Market (WE CAN) and the Shrewsbury Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) have joined forces to sponsor the 2^nd Annual International Fair & Diversity Celebration to be scheduled for Saturday, April 6 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Sherwood Middle School, 28 Sherwood Ave.

For one afternoon attendees can experience the cultures that are Shrewsbury and experience the world at one’s fingertips through art, food, performances and much more at this family friendly event.

“This year we are partnering with SEPAC because we want to include all different members of our community including those with special needs. We reached out to them and they were thrilled,” stated event co-chair Melisa Hollenback.

Hollenback said that we are all different, and we all might have slightly different needs.  But, we all should be treated with respect and care for one another. As such, she is bringing in groups with diverse needs such as the Alzheimer’s Association and Special Olympics.

She noted that Shrewsbury is working on becoming a dementia friendly community. Its important for people unfamiliar with Alzheimer’s disease to be able to recognize the signs in those who do have the disease.

An array of diverse cultural entertainment will be showcased. Hollenback’s co-chair, Neena Mohanka, is coordinating the line-up of performers.  Mohanka is active with Shrewsbury-based India Society of Worcester.

Performances include: classical Indian Dance (Kathak), Tabla (Indian Drum),  Irish Step Dancing, Brazilian Martial Art, Nepali dance, bagpipe performance, patriotic songs, “An Artist’s Mind,” Parkinson Choir, Albanian dance, Chinese dragon dance, Latin dance, Ghanaian drums and voice.

The Shrewsbury chapter of Days for Girls will also be present with a video presentation of their recent Ugandan mission.

Look for activities for kids such as finger puppets, a scavenger hunt and a book corner with a variety of reading material on special needs and international diversity.

Be sure to check out the international snack table with savory and sweet treats and the international spice display.

Additionally, there will be a raffle to help defray costs. Profits will benefit SEPAC.

For more information, contact Melisa Hollenback at [email protected] or Neena Mohanka at [email protected].