Festival to Celebrate City’s Diversity

Celebrating diversity throughout the city, dancers, singers and athletes will perform in today’s fifth annual Multicultural Festival at Plaza Park.

Performers will include Teatro Inlakech, a Mexican dance team, and Togen Daiko, a traditional Japanese drum squad. The Philippine Culture and Arts Academy will also present a dance and martial arts display.

Other performances will include a Middle Eastern dance presentation, square-dancing and Scottish dancing by the Channel Islands Scottish Dancers.

“Maybe, by having this festival, we can learn from each other,” said Corazon Ortiguerra, a festival organizer, who has seen attendance jump from 300 to 3,000. “Since Oxnard is so diverse, it’s important to promote unity and fun.”

The free event, which is sponsored by the city’s Commission on Community Relations, will also feature educational demonstrations, food and crafts exhibits.

Professional body builder Robby Robinson will discuss body image and physical well-being.

Members of the Oxnard Police Department’s K-9 unit will present a demonstration.

Ventura County Schools Supt. Chuck Weis is also scheduled to speak.

The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Plaza Park, 5th and C streets.