Multicultural fair planned at Lakes Middle School

COEUR d'ALENE - They're planning to dish up some diversity in a big way next month at Lakes Magnet Middle School.

A multicultural fair will be held May 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and organizers are seeking local cultural groups to participate.

"This will be a celebration of human cultural diversity, to provide our kids and our community with a rich and varied cross-cultural experience," said teacher Dave Eubanks.

Planners hope people from throughout the Inland Northwest will bring traditional music, food, clothing, arts, crafts, dance and folklore to share on the Saturday of the fair.

"We want to have a big community gathering," Eubanks said.

The school's gym will be decorated with the flags of every country in the world, and each participating group will have a table and access to an electrical outlet.

Admission to the event will be free, and there will be no charge for a table or booth.

Participants will be free to sell food, drink or their wares.

There will be scheduled stage time available for special presentations, song, dance, large group demonstrations, sharing of folktales and more.

There is no school funding available for this event, so everything is being done on a volunteer basis.

Those interested in participating in the celebration should contact Kelli Aiken or Dave Eubanks at 667-4544.