New American Festival
North YMCA
**Why This Festival? **This festival originated with the Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services' (ETSS) Enkutatash: Ethiopian New Year, beginning in 2000 to celebrate the culture and experiences of the Central Ohio Ethiopian community. Since then, the festival has grown in number as well as cultural diversity, with over 900 attendees from African, Asian, Latin American, and resident communities at Enkutatash 2013. The languages, cultures, and traditions of these groups vary, but all have come together for a common cause: to become self-sufficient and establish roots in a new country. In the spirit of this transition, Enkutatash: Ethiopian New Year has evolved, bringing the strength and cultures of each of Central Ohio's new communities under the New American Festival. The face of Central Ohio is rapidly changing, with over 110,000 New Americans living in Franklin County. Resettlement agencies represent and serve New Americans from over 40 different countries. We expect to draw over 2,000 'New Americans' from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and individuals from Central Ohio communities who have an interest in learning more about their new neighbors, co-workers, and classmates. **Culture:** The New American Festival fills a cultural need for refugee, immigrant, and asylee communities. In learning a new language, culture, and establishing a new life in America, there is pressure to assimilate, losing the valuable traditions, arts, and strengths of the cultures New Americans come from. This festival presents an opportunity to share these rich cultures with family, friends, and the larger community. **Health: **The Central Ohio New American community has suffered several recent tragedies. This Health Fair will providing free health screenings, safety presentations, and literature in English and native languages. **Fee:** Entrance to the New American Festival 2015 is completely FREE, thanks to generous donations and sponsors. To make sure this festival is available to all New American communities, please consider making a donation at the ETSS website with the keywords 'New American Festival'. Hosted by: Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services In collaboration with: CRIS, World Relief Columbus, US Together, Jewish Family Services Phone: 614-252-5362 1640 Sandalwood Place Columbus, OH 43229
