Ellington

Chattanooga City Council Districts 5 and 6 won’t celebrate the area’s growing diversity until the end of September, but a planning committee for the annual Sweet Diversity event is already working to find performance groups and exhibitors for the event.

“We are looking for PTA groups, Scout troops, neighborhood associations and any other kind of local group,” said planning committee member Nan Zamata. “In the past we’ve had representatives from the library, the Sister Cities group, Parks and Recreation and even businesses.”

The event’s planning committee will meet Monday, Aug. 13, at 5 p.m. in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, located in Eastgate Town Center at 5600 Brainerd Road. Zamata said anyone interested in participating or helping with the planning efforts is welcome to attend that meeting.

“Some people don’t think they have anything to offer, but they do,” she said. “Everyone has something unique they bring to the table or something to share with the community.”

To participate in the event, exhibitors located within Districts 5 and 6 are asked to create a display or table and provide attendees with a small dessert or other food sample. Participation in the Sept. 20 event to be held at Eastgate Town Center is free. Anyone interested should contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs by Sept. 6.

“I would encourage people to participate because it’s a lot of fun and it’s a really great learning experience for everyone in the city, because it helps people learn about the wide variety of groups and associations out there,” said Zamata. “It’s a great opportunity for people to broaden their horizons and for organizations to showcase what they are already doing.”

Last year’s event featured representatives from 32 different groups or associations and drew approximately 400 attendees. This year’s event is expected to have an even larger turnout because it will be held in conjunction with a Chattanooga Department of Education, Arts and Culture event featuring Mohandas Gandhi’s grandson, Arun Gandhi.

For more information on either event or to get involved, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at 643-6706.