In the News - March 2008
Fair to break down cultural barriers
MORRILTON, Ark. - Conway County 4-H'ers are
hosting a culture fair to break down barriers between cultures in the county.
The fair is Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the National Guard
Armory in Morrilton.
"Our 4-H club received the ‘Engaging Youth, Serving Communities' grant from
the USDA and National 4-H Council," said Georgia Oldenstadt, Conway County
extension 4-H agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
"The purpose of the grant is to encourage youth to get involved in local
community issues, develop an action plan to address the issues and then
implement that plan."
Oldenstadt's 4-H'ers are focusing on "Breaking Down Cultural Barriers" for
their grant project.
"The goal of our particular project is to unite the African-American, Native
American and Hispanic communities," Oldenstadt said.
The multi-cultural fair will bring together aspects of the various cultures
including dance, music, costume, food, arts, crafts and history.
The 4-H program is working with a variety of individuals and organizations to
provide a meaningful, educational and fun experience.
Participants include Stephin Booth, who will
demonstrate African drumming; the Sequoyah Center at the University of Arkansas
at Little Rock and the PowWow Group will both demonstrate aspects of Native
American storytelling, history and culture; and the Robert Douglas Foundation
will offer African-American stories. Other participants include the Delta
Cultural Center, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, and Makataka, a Cherokee
from Hot Springs, who will bring Native American crafts.
"Our 4-H club believes this is a great opportunity to bring various cultures
together and to also educate residents about the diverse population in our
county," said Oldenstadt.
Contact Oldenstadt at the Conway County extension office at 501-354-9618, or
goldenstadt@uaex.edu for more information about the
fair. 4-H is the youth development arm of the Cooperative Extension Service,
which is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
March 14, 2008
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Media Relations Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
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