GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Celebration Cinema and the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation are hosting a cultural story time event Sunday, Jan. 29 at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids.
The event, which runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., is part of the World of Winter festival happening now through March 5 in Grand Rapids. The story time event will start with a cultural lion dance followed by storytelling, according to a news release. One of the stories to be read will come from a Filipino children’s book about belonging and acceptance.
“I remember listening to my grandmother tell stories of the past,” Ace Marasigan, founder and executive director of the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation, said in a press release. ” Stories expand our imagination and understanding. Some are rooted in history, moral lessons, identity, and love. Our diversity makes a beautiful community. And as we listen to the stories, let us discover what makes us the same.”
The event is taking place at Studio Park’s outdoor piazza.
In addition to the dance performance and storytelling, the event is to feature a free photo booth, free hot tea, and free lentil soup, a press release said.
The World of Winter festival is being hosted by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
“DGRI’s World of Winter is a vibrant invitation to come out of hibernation and explore the city,” said Emily Loeks, director of community affairs at Studio C, the parent company of Celebration Cinema. “We are proud to be a part of it, and especially pleased to connect with cultural organizations that celebrate the diversity of voices and histories present in our community.”
Another cultural story time event, this one host by the West Michigan Bengali Cultural Association, will take place at Studio Park on Feb. 26 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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