POST OFFICE DELIVERS CULTURAL KALEIDOSCOPE.

Byline: Jennifer Hamm Staff Writer

A multicultural fair at the Van Nuys Main Post Office on Sunday drew hundreds for everything from Irish dancing to Filipino cuisine.

``We put a lot of importance into recognizing diversity and culture,'' said Michael Martino, a manager of post office operations. ``We really believe our strength is from there.''

The Van Nuys post office has been nationally recognized by the postal service for providing a diverse working environment, Martino said.

``This event is to celebrate the diverse background of the people in the United States Postal Service,'' Martino said.

Martino helped start a band made up of postal service employees, calling it Deliverance, to perform at the event at the post office on Sherman Way.

Martha Tapia danced in the crowd as Deliverance played its last song. The 37-year-old Glendale resident said she came to enjoy the multicultural festival.

``Getting to know how other people live, how other people eat and how other people think, I think that's great,'' Tapia said.

The music ranged from rap performances to Thai dancing and the food included Chinese dishes and homemade tacos. Attendees could also buy African crafts or Asian jewelry.

Casey Dillman, 11, of Santa Clarita said the festival was good because there was plenty to do.

``It's cool,'' Casey said. ``You can learn about other cultures.''