Sharing Culture and Tradition at the Friendship Picnic in Wheaton (PHOTOS)
The second “Friendship Picnic” was held on Sept. 14 at the Wheaton Regional Park.
Montgomery County’s Committee on Hate and Violence and the Office of Human Rights hosted the event that gathered more than 1,000 people. The event had live music, carousel train rides, and lots of dancing.
“It was fantastic,” said James L. Stowe, director of the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights.
Stowe said the idea was to bring together the community to share their culture, traditions, and faiths. People of several cultures from different ethnic, racial and religious communities had the chance to make new friends and celebrate the richness of Montgomery County’s diversity.
“We were able to enjoy many cultures and races as it relates to Montgomery County demographics. … Children were able to enjoy the activities the park offers. … There were face painting. … It was very family oriented,” Stowe said.
According to Stowe, gatherings like this helps residents meet one another, and prevents acts of intimidation.
The event also offered food, beverages and entertainment for the entire family.
The picnic was co-hosted by the Human Rights Commission, the Office of Community Partnerships, the Montgomery County Executive’s Faith Community Working Group, Montgomery County Police Department, and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.
“The task is doing this whole idea of community unity. This is what [this event] is all about,” Stowe said.
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