Festivities

My dream is that we, as a nation, tap into the vast multicultural resources expressed by our people. This multiculturalism is expressed through festivals, celebrations and by our holidays. We can participate in or volunteer at festivals, or learn about a holiday we haven't ever celebrated. It is a privilege to expose our kids to cultures beyond the familiar as much as it is to take the time to learn what makes your region special. Every region has a festival that celebrates something whether it's music, a flower, a species, a waterway, the arts, film, natural resources or the people who inhabit the area. Some of my family's favorites are Waterfire in Providence Rhode Island, The Rose Festival and the Chinese New Year celebration at the Lan Su Garden -- both in Portland, Oregon; the UFO festival in McMinnville and the Portland Film Festival. We have an India Festival, Festa Italiana, the Blues Festival, the Portland Film Festival and an amazing Pride Day with a gorgeous parade. There are possibilities to connect to the social biosphere right outside our doors and to incorporate all of this into the education of our children. Let yourself be curious!