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A celebration of culture, unity

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A Bharatanatyam dance, performed by a young Indian dance group, was one of more than a dozen performances that dazzled spectators at the 19th Annual Antelope Valley International Heritage Festival.
A Bharatanatyam dance, performed by a young Indian dance group, was one of more than a dozen performances that dazzled spectators at the 19th Annual Antelope Valley International Heritage Festival.

PALMDALE – Poncitlan Square in Palmdale was the place to be on Saturday, as residents of all ages and backgrounds came together for the 19th Annual Antelope Valley Heritage Festival.

Lancaster’s Human Relations Tapestry Commissioner Sue Dell presented a certificate of recognition to the Festival Committee for “promoting diversity and raising cultural awareness.”
Lancaster’s Human Relations Tapestry Commissioner Sue Dell presented a certificate of recognition to the Festival Committee for “promoting diversity and raising cultural awareness.”

Attendees were treated to a day of back-to-back performances from groups representing cultures from around the world. Several participating restaurants provided a wide variety of free ethnic food samples, including George’s Inka Grill (Peru), Mahli’s (India), Fresco II (Mediterranean), El Carbonero (El Salvador), Mi Ranchito (Mexico), and Outback Steakhouse (Australia). And booths hosted by local nonprofit organizations provided information on various community services.

“Cultural events such as the Heritage Festival are important in the Antelope Valley because we are one of the most diverse areas, not just in our county or just in our state, but in the entire United States,” said Robert Alvarado, one of the founding members of the Festival. “We want people to know that we have a rich, diverse community in the Antelope Valley and they are welcome to come out once a year and celebrate with us.”

Palmdale councilmember Steve Hofbauer hosted an informational booth for Sea Scout Ship 11.
Palmdale councilmember Steve Hofbauer hosted an informational booth for Sea Scout Ship 11.

New to this year’s Festival was a Kid’s Corner, featuring special kids’ crafts and a free lunch. The Festival also featured a Local Artist Corner that showcased artists from the Antelope Valley community.

“Today we celebrate the beautiful diversity of the Antelope Valley,” said Lancaster Human Relations Tapestry Commissioner Miguel Coronado. “America is beautiful not only because she offers life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but also because she has the most gorgeous diversity and united colors in the world,” Coronado continued.

“So many different cultures from around the world are represented here today, and comprise the fabric of what makes Palmdale and the Antelope Valley a truly great community,” Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford stated.

Sights from the AV International Heritage Festival

Several local dignitaries were in attendance.
Several local dignitaries were in attendance.
Local artists Jacob Nelson and Molly Wineland sang the National Anthem to open the event.
Local artists Jacob Nelson and Molly Wineland sang the National Anthem to open the event.
Academy of Style presented "Models from Around the World." Local models representing Mexico, Bahamas, Ethiopia, China, Ghana, England, Sweden and Scotland were featured.
Academy of Style presented “Models from Around the World.” Local models representing Mexico, Bahamas, Ethiopia, China, Ghana, England, Sweden and Scotland were featured.
Dancers from the Filipino American Association of the Antelope Valley performed a "Flower Dance."
Dancers from the Filipino American Association of the Antelope Valley performed a “Flower Dance.”
The Rancho Vista Community Queens joined the Black Antelope Valley Community Queens to preside over the Festival.
The Rancho Vista Community Queens joined the Black Antelope Valley Community Queens to preside over the Festival.
Young students from Guidance Charter School performed Arabic songs and cheer.
Young students from Guidance Charter School performed Arabic songs and cheer.
Local chess guru Daa Mahowald hosted an informational booth to teach eager youngsters the basics of the game.
Local chess guru Daa Mahowald hosted an informational booth to teach eager youngsters the basics of the game.
Festival organizer Elena Montgomery (center) joined dancers from Danza Azteca Mazatl for their performance finale.
Festival organizer Elena Montgomery (center) joined dancers from Danza Azteca Mazatl for their performance finale.
Grupo Folklorico AV performed Sinaloa at the Festival.
Grupo Folklorico AV performed Sinaloa at the Festival.

For many more pictures from this event, visit our Facebook page.

Filed Under: Palmdale

3 comments for "A celebration of culture, unity"

  1. Unfortunately I was working and couldn’t make it, but it seems that it was a great turn-out, and fun was had by all. I am curious about one thing, though. How long has the presence of the Black Antelope Valley Community Queens been in existence? I’ve been to several community events, both in Lancaster and Palmdale, and this is the first time I’ve been made aware of this group. I could just be very uninformed (not the first time), but are there also Asian and Latino Community Queen groups as well? Also, can the African American ladies who have competed (and won) in previous Miss Antelope Valley pageants also compete in the Black Antelope Valley Community Queens pageant and, if so, can they win both at the same time?
    Just a thought…

  2. I just love how it says a celebration of culture and unity, and is called “Antelope Valley Heritage Festival,” yet not a single reference to the German’s and Swiss who created the settlement of Palmenthal which transformed into Palmdale.

    • Hey Bob, how about YOU gather a local German group and a local Swiss group and register them with the Heritage Festival next year so they can be recognized? Doesn’t that sound better than whining at home in front of your computer and expecting others to do the work for you?