The annual event celebrates a world wide cultural cornucopia of experiences for First Program children and their families.

Children, parents and friends hearts were warmed on that rainy Saturday, February 5, 2011, as they traversed the globe (and stairs) via the many richly decorated classrooms, which were transformed into countries throughout the building.

Many of the classrooms featured performances; an Australian didgeridoo player, Japanese stories, Korean drummers, a Chinese Lion Dance, Turkish Shadow puppets, and a bevy of boys and girls dancing DARBA in Indian dress, just to name a few.

Aromas wafted throughout the building; blends of spices conjured olfactory hints at the interesting diversity of foods available in each classroom. As a bonus, the event featured a culinary feast in the gym where small kites, like hand wrought nautical flags, festooned the gym ceiling and the giant hand-made First Program Kite provided a focal point, decorated with a long serpentine tail of colorful fabrics. The Daltonics, the Dalton Parent Chorus, dressed in sarees, dashikis, kimonos and other traditional garb, offered diverse musical selections and an original song for the diners.

Students swarmed ubiquitous tables offering arts, crafts and face painting. The attendees’ happiness was palpable, as the children’s creativity surged. It is safe to say that every child’s appreciation of cultural diversity was nurtured with every encounter.