Schools celebrate diverse cultures

Parade winds through streets of Decatur

DECATUR — It was two months in the planning, but the first Multicultural Day Celebration at Decatur’s middle and high school campuses Oct. 20 saw large crowds similar to those seen at the annual Decatur Barbecue.

The celebration began Oct. 16 with students from both campuses donning native dress and headgear and wrapping themselves in multinational flags.

The Oct. 20 celebration began with a parade of nations led by the Decatur High School marching band, students carrying flags from different countries, the Lady Bulldog junior high A and B volleyball teams, the celebration court and floats from each high school class.

The 3-mile-long parade route began and ended at Peterson-Owens Fieldhouse at Decatur High School.

At 6 p.m., the celebration continued with the band, under the direction of Jesse Wyatt Owens, performing the national anthem at Bulldog Stadium, followed by a 20-minute concert and marching exhibition showcasing the band’s musical and marching abilities.

Flag bearers for the national anthem included Annie Janes and Koltyn McBride.

After the concert, the celebration returned to the middle and high school complex, where various activities awaited family, friends and many visitors.

Throughout the complex, displays were focused on many nations, including those from Asia, Europe, North America and the Pacific Islands. Each display contained information, photos and artifacts describing each region’s cultures.

The middle school gym offered various games, including a mechanical bull that high school principal Matt Boeving rode earlier in the night.

The high school cafeteria featured several performers entertaining spectators with song and dance.

The second-grade class from Northside Elementary performed a short song and dance.

Throughout the complex, displays were focused on many nations, including those from Asia, Europe, North America and the Pacific Islands.

Other performers included DJ John, Diana Matul Monterroso, Cindy Vang, Evelyn Cardona, Leslie Hernandez, Yarielyn Torres and Lilliany Martinez Guzman.

(Special to NWA Democrat-Gazette/Yeferson Cordona) The junior class float prepares to take its place in the lineup Oct. 20 as the Decatur middle and high schools’ Multicultural Day Parade begins its long route from Peterson-Owens Fieldhouse through downtown Decatur and back.

(Special to NWA DemocratGazette/Mike Eckels) Anna Xiong wears native Asian dress as she and Larea Echeverria tour the many displays and food stands set up during the celebration.

(Special to NWA DemocratGazette/Yeferson Cordona) Evelyn Cordona throws candy to waiting students as she rides down Main Street during the parade.