SOMERVILLE, NJ – In recognition of Global Diversity Awareness Month in October, Somerset County will host its third annual Diversity Festival, on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 12 to 4 p.m., in Somerville along Grove Street at Veterans Memorial Plaza and on the courthouse lawn across from the County Administration Building. The creative event will showcase and embrace diversity with multicultural entertainment, games, and vendors that promote the theme of the festival “Somerset County – Everyone Belongs Here.”

“The diversity of Somerset County’s residents is what makes it such a unique and vibrant place to live, work and play. The County is home to people from every corner of the earth, and all socio-economic and educational backgrounds, religions and faiths, ages and abilities, sexual orientations and identities,” said Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson. “Our similarities and differences must continue to be embraced, included, valued, and recognized as assets to our neighborhoods, businesses, and communities as we move forward to a greater understanding of each other.”

Patriotic Opening Ceremony
Join the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners at the opening ceremony for the Pledge of Allegiance and a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner performed by a local vocalist and interpreted by an American Sign Language expert. The ceremony will conclude with brief welcoming remarks from Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson.

Multicultural Entertainment
Enjoy exciting entertainment at several locations along Grove Street including performances from bands that play a diverse range of music such as Israeli, Irish, Jazz, Afro-Peruvian, and Latin swing.

Free Games, Giveaways and Exhibitors
Children and adults will enjoy diversity-themed free puzzles, games and giveaways, face-painting, interactive art projects and selfie stations. Participants can visit exhibits and get materials from advocacy groups, community organizations, county departments, and agencies that promote diversity.

Free Parking
Visitors can park for free in Somerville during the 2021 Diversity Festival at the Bernie Field Parking Deck located on High Street and the parking deck at 27 Warren St. 

For more information about the Diversity Festival, contact Paul Grzella at grzella@co.somerset.nj.us or CLICK HERE for a list of artists and exhibitors.

Sponsored by the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners and co-sponsored by the Downtown Somerville Alliance, the Diversity Festival is one of several Somerset County diversity programs that were launched in 2019 to promote, embrace and include the county’s multi-cultural residents and to help further create vibrant connections between the county’s communities.

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