Blaine event aims to put diverse folks in same spot

Blaine city officials are taking a classic tack to bring folks together: Free food.

The first annual Blaine World Fest, on Saturday, will feature international cuisine from Blaine-area restaurants, dance and music from all over the world and a chance for residents to learn about the diverse people who share their hometown, if not their country of birth.

Blaine Mayor Tom Ryan said that several residents approached him about organizing an event after a series of incidents last spring, including a suspected arson fire at Blaine Dairy and allegations of Muslim extremism at the TIZA charter school in Blaine. In the weeks that followed, Ryan said, he learned more about the fear that members of different ethnic groups hold for each other. And it became increasingly obvious that change couldn't wait.

"You can see the fear in their eyes; they don't understand us, and we probably don't understand them," he said of a March town hall meeting he attended to discuss the charter school. "We want to get the trust, rather than wait for the next generation to understand each other."

Tom Godfrey, program supervisor for Blaine Parks and Recreation, was one of the organizers of the event. Each food concession -- representing Mexico, Asia, Italy, China, Greece and Nigeria -- and each entertainment group -- representing Mexico, Africa, China, Philippines, Korea, Appalachian and African-American -- will be accompanied by a kiosk with information about that culture.

"Our main focus is to recognize the different people and different cultures now living in the city of Blaine," he said. "We want to celebrate that and celebrate the growing diversity in the city."

The event, being held in Town Square Park, across the street from City Hall, is free, an important aspect to bring in people for the event's launch, Godfrey said.

Godfrey and Ryan both said they'll feel the event is a success if they have a good turnout and if people leave feeling like they know a little bit more about their neighbors than they did when they arrived.

"If we can all talk and come out with an understanding we need to continue to do this, and not isolate each other," it will be a success, Ryan said, adding that he and his wife recently visited with owners of an Indian restaurant. "If you never try it, you never will understand. These are some of the nicest people."