Skokie Festival of Cultures Celebrates 30 Years

In 1990, A Skokie ethnic diversity project, VOICES (Valuing Our Image Concerning Ethnicity in Skokie), aims at promoting a better understanding between Skokie residents of different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds. As part of the project, the Skokie Human Relations Commission, Skokie Park District, Rotary Club of Skokie, Village of Skokie and the Skokie Public Library initiate the planning of the first Skokie Festival of Cultures. 

 A year later, the First Annual Skokie Festival of Cultures includes participants from the Assyrian, Austrian, Chinese, Filipino, German, Greek/Hellenic, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Israeli, Korean, Luxembourgian, Russian, and Swedish cultures. Held at Oakton Park on June 15 and 16 for more than 1,000 attendees, the one-stage Festival features an opening flag ceremony, ethnic dance, food, art, and music. Over the next 15 years, the following community and civic organizations also participate in the festival: Baha'i, Kiwanis, Niles Township School District 219, Rotary Club of Skokie, Rush North Shore Medical Center, Skokie Chamber of Commerce, Skokie Human Relations Commission, Skokie Lions Club, Skokie Park District, Skokie Public Library, Village of Skokie and VOICES. 

Credits

Skokie Park District