Wilkes University’s Office of Diversity Initiatives recently took part in a Multicultural Parade down South Main Street. ODI participants were set towards the front, leading the festivities off behind Grand Marshall Rose Daniels while encouraging the crowd to spell, “W-I-L-K-E-S… Wilkes.”
Alongside our University, the city of Wilkes-Barre’s diverse culture was on display with the participation of many different groups surrounding the area. This included The Indian American Association of NEPA, The King’s College Monarchs For Diversity, St. Nicholas Catholic Church, and Pillars of Progress along with many others.
The crowd gathered near Asian Kitchen and ended at Public Square right past the F.M Kirby Center. The parade consisted of dancing, cheering, music, and lots of candy tossing. The St. Nicholas Catholic Church danced down South Main Street to a steady rhythm of a beating drum.
Once the parade portion concluded, participants and onlookers were encouraged to relocate to the Public Square, where tents and food trucks were gathered for a festival. Jewelry and handmade crafts were sold, while children were able to get their faces painted, and others waited in line for Potato Pancakes and Mexican ice cream.
Participants of the parade gathered on the stage in the square as they awaited the reciting of Governor Josh Shapiro’s proclamation in both English and Spanish. This was done by Wilkes-Barre mayor George Brown and the Governor Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, Guillermo Lara.