The Center serves as a welcome resource for parents to support them in advocating for their children's academic achievement. Through survival-based programming, the Center offers English classes, access to community services, and uniquely designed workshops. Programs are crafted to meet parent needs and encourage parental involvement and leadership in the community at large. Ultimately the Center strives to provide the skills and tools to understand and navigate the U.S. educational and health systems for the rich and diverse tapestry that is the backdrop for twenty schools (Niles North, Niles West, and their Pre-K-8 feeder schools) in Skokie, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood, and Niles.

 

 

The event, held at Skokie’s 19-acre Oakton Park, has grown over nearly three decades from 14 cultures with 1,000 attendees, to more than three dozen cultures and 25,000 visitors, annually. Over two days in May, visitors enjoy ethnic folk music and dance on two stages, arts and crafts, international children's games, food, cultural booths, a merchandise bazaar, a mini train ride around the park, and the festival’s iconic flag display. The festival has been honored with both state and national art event programming awards.

 

The first Skokie Festival of Cultures was initiated and planned in 1990 by a newly-formed Skokie ethnic diversity committee, as well as the Skokie Human Relations Commission, Skokie Park District, Rotary Club of Skokie, Village of Skokie and the Skokie Public Library.

 

Read more about the history of the Festival of Cultures here.

Interested in your culture taking part? 

 

On a personal note, I hope this beautiful event is changed to a different month, because from my experience the weather has been rainy and cold almost every year.