Dancers with Ballet Folklorico perform during ONE Warsaw’s 2023 Celebrating Us event in downtown Warsaw in this InkFreeNews file photo. This year’s event is Saturday, Sept. 21.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Celebrating Us “aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the county while fostering community unity and engagement,” says Diana Diaz-Barriga.

Diaz-Barriga serves as the president of ONE Warsaw, which is again hosting the festival on Saturday, Sept. 21.

It’s from 4-8 p.m. in downtown Warsaw. The event is for all ages and includes entertainment, food and more.

At least 20 organizations will have informational booths at the event. Kids may enjoy bounce houses and an obstacle course.

A DJ will kick things off at 4 p.m., with the following people and groups performing afterward:

• 4:30 p.m., Ballet Folkorico;
• 5 p.m., comedian Corey Mann;
• 5:30 p.m., musician Marena Moonflower;
• 6 p.m., Deb Collier’s School of Dance;
• 6:30 p.m., magician and comedian Kevin Long;
• 7 p.m., Kelly Mager leading Family Feud; and
• 8 p.m., Maxim Potashov with a tuba ensemble.

ONE Warsaw’s Celebrating Us is occurring along with the Kosciusko Kettleheads’ HomebrewFest. The latter event goes from 5-9 p.m., also in downtown Warsaw.

“I hope that we can celebrate each other and live our mission together: ‘We aim to inspire community inclusion through support, education and celebration of all people,'” said Diaz-Barriga of Celebrating Us.

She noted the festival “not only promotes social cohesion but also exposes attendees to the various community services and leaders.”

“The importance of including all residents of Kosciusko County cannot be overstated,” said Diaz-Barriga. “Inclusivity ensures that every member of the community feels valued and overstated. Inclusivity ensures that every member of the community feels valued and represented, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.”

“By bringing together people from different backgrounds, ethnicities and walks of life, the festival promotes understanding, appreciation and collaboration among residents,” she added.