PICNIC TO SPOTLIGHT VALLEY RESIDENTS' RICH, VARIED HERITAGE.

Byline: JIM SKEEN Staff Writer

LANCASTER -- Music, dance and food of different cultures will highlight the 12th annual Antelope Valley International Heritage Picnic to be held Saturday at Lancaster City Park.

Sponsored by the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale, the picnic -- with the theme ``diversity is our strength'' -- is intended to promote awareness and appreciation of the different cultures that exist locally.

``We have a community that is very diverse,'' said Del Preston, chairman of the organizing committee representing local ethnic organizations. ``I believe it is important we be able to get along with one another and understand one another.''

There will be no cost for admission to the event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the Stanley Kleiner Building at Lancaster City Park, 43011 10th St. W.

Festival organizers hope the event will stir interest among valley residents in each other's cultural heritage, so people will ask questions and learn about their neighbors.

``The more we come together and talk, the more those differences vanish,'' said Lancaster Mayor Henry Hearns. ``I'd like to say to the community: Please come and be with us.''

The festival will start with a parade through the park by participants who choose to dress in the clothing of their ancestral lands.

The Los Angeles rock band Spectra Sonic will perform. Antelope Valley High School's Mix It Up club and other groups will perform dances. Belly dancers, Polynesian dancers and bamboo dancers will be there.

Visitors can sample free food including Chinese, Filipino, Indian and Korean dishes, as well as hot dogs.

james.skeen(at)dailynews

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