This year’s Culture Fest at Columbia Gorge Community College was indeed a Kaleidoscope of vibrant color, dance and community interaction.

Held last Thursday afternoon at the Hood River campus, festival goers were treated to an extended performance from the Mid Valley Mexican Folk Dancers, a Japanese Culture table with hands-on origami learning (I made a frog!), a chance to network with English language learners and learn about their Mexican hometowns, Providence-sponsored community health tables where volunteers were collecting health needs assessment feedback forms, ethnic jewelry displays, a variety of fresh fruit and drinks, face painting, music from several bands, and an opportunity to learn about the Hood River Sister City program. You could even pick up a voter registration form, if you wanted.