Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven Multicultural Family Fun Festival

NEW HAVEN >> . Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven, Inc. will sponsor a Multicultural Family Fun Festival from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, in the parking lot of the agency at 333 Sherman Ave.

"Through good food, lively music, and energetic fitness demonstrations, the Multicultural Family Fun Fest will offer an afternoon of fun fit for the entire family," according to a release. "The theme of this year’s event is ‘Building Healthy Communities through Family, Food, and Fitness’ and will highlight the spirit of healthy communities through song, dance, games, exercise, and food."

The event will feature 15year-old DJ phenom Phooda-Phoo, arts and crafts, a fitness demonstration from New Haven’s Balance Fitness Studio, Karate, Zumba, a kids’ carnival, cooking demonstrations, and more, the release said.

"NHS is excited about hosting the Multicultural Family Fun Fest for a fifth consecutive year," NHS Executive Director Jim Paley said, also in the release. "This is a true celebration of the diversity that exists in our neighborhoods, and the positive spirit that we see each day among those who live and work in New Haven. We are delighted to welcome a broad cross-section of residents, City officials, and business owners to our festival this year."

Bridgette Russell, managing director of NHS’ HomeOwnership Center and organizer of the event, said it is in its fifth year.

"This outreach festival affords the opportunity to engage and interact with current and prospective clients and customers in an informal family-oriented setting," she said, also in the release.

At the event, representatives of State Farm Insurance will present Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven with a $7,500 grant award check for its Homeownership Promotion & Preservation services.

"State Farm’s commitment to helping communities and families realize their dreams is a direct link to our core beliefs," State Farm Community Relations Specialist Jennifer Young said, also in the release. "Homeownership provides access to the American dream, and State Farm is proud of our relationship with NHS of New Haven. NHS makes dreams come true every day."