BLAINE, Minn. – (May 25, 2017) – Blaine held its 10th annual World Fest last weekend at city hall. World Fest is a celebration of the diversity that encompasses the city of Blaine.
“In 2000, Blaine’s diversity was about 1 in 20 persons was a minority. Today we are 1 in 5, so our community has changed a lot as we’ve grown. So we are embracing our diversity we are celebrating the different cultures that come to Blaine…we like to celebrate our differences and learn from each other,” said Shari Kunza of Blaine Parks and Recreation.
Over the years, the biggest change Kunza has seen is the growth in attendance each year. Minnesotans from all over the state gather to enjoy a day filled with dancing, eating various ethnic foods, and learning about other cultures.
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“It is important to not, to not lose that diversity and not lose our cultures. You know my ancestors were not born here, but I really couldn’t tell you a lot about where they came from, so I think it’s great that the youth of today are really embracing their culture,” said Kunza.
The festival provides people the opportunity to share their culture with others, while working to keep their heritage alive.
Betze Solomonson who is with the Sons of Norway said “this is our culture and we need to keep working at it so that it will stay alive for our children and our grandchildren and they can pass that on to future generations.”
In addition, Kunza said “for us to learn about other cultures it reduces the fear and it raises the acceptance and that’s what we want to be in Blaine, a good strong community.”
