Cultures to take center stage at annual event in NYM

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, in partnership with Niijii Radio (White Earth), is proud to present the fifth annual Celebrating Cultures, a free, family-friendly event on Wednesday, May 21, from 4-7 p.m. at the NYM Sculpture Park and Barn (off Highway 10 and County Highway 67 in New York Mills).

Now a beloved local tradition, Celebrating Cultures brings together community members of all ages and backgrounds for an evening of music, art, food, storytelling and hands-on cultural exchange. This event honors the vibrant diversity of the region by uplifting Indigenous and multicultural voices, traditions and artistic expressions.

Live cultural performances

Featuring Heather and Thistle Pipes and Drums (Scottish bagpipes), Hoop Dancing (narrated), and Taste of Colombia (traditional Colombian dance).

Hands-on art and activities for all ages

Including the 2025 Art in Your Park Kick-Off, Scherenschnitte (folk paper cutting), and Brad Wegscheid’s Scribbletastic Fun-O-Matic Command Post.

Indigenous art and 

storytelling by 

Niijii Radio

Bone bead chokers, Ojibwe language coloring sheets, pony bead keychains, Corn Husk Dolls with storytelling, lacrosse demos/games, plus Indigenous food from Native Harvest.

Cultural booths 

and demonstrations

• East Otter Tail County History Museum: Genealogy tools and resources

• Visiting artist Kateryna Bortsova from Ukraine: “Self-propulsion” interactive mapping activity

• Artist Sharon Marquardt: Himmeli (Finnish straw art) demonstration

Cultural cuisine for sale

•Native Harvest: Traditional Indigenous foods

• Something Good: Specialty coffee, tea, lemonades, and more

• Continental Divide Brew Pub Food Cart: Creative takes on classic American hot dogs

• Additional food trucks are invited and welcome

Invitation to artists 

and culture bearers

The Cultural Center and Niijii Radio invite artists, culture bearers, and cultural groups of all backgrounds to share their heritage—whether by performing, hosting a booth, leading an activity, or offering food or demonstrations. Interested participants should contact the Cultural Center at 385-3339 to sign up. Vendor setup begins at 2 p.m. on May 21. Booth space is limited and requires pre-registration.

In case of inclement weather, we plan to move the event indoors at the Cultural Center (24 N Main Ave); please check kulcher.org or follow the Cultural Center on social media for updates.

This event is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Cultural Expressions grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

For the latest event updates, or to register for a booth or performance, visit: www. kulcher.org/celebrating-cultures-2025 or contact the Cultural Center at 385-3339 or info@kulcher.org.