Tomorrow we turn the calendar to November and that means the holidays are just around the corner. Every year I plan a program that celebrates the diverse cultures we have in our community. So a joint venture is planned for this year to learn how people from around the world celebrate the holidays. Mark Wednesday, November 10th on your calendar and come to the Burnside room at the Great Bend Recreation Center at noon. You will not be disappointed.

The German traditions I grew up with in north central Kansas are similar to those around here. Certain foods, traditional family gatherings, and church related activities were common. As I am pulling speakers together for this hour of sharing I am finding that all cultures value the same things, but the food and festivities are unique.

While I am not yet sure of the order of our speakers, I can tell you that you will learn about holiday traditions in Germany, the Panama, Mexico, and Asia. I expect that some presenters will be in costume and tell stories about Christmases past. You can be sure that many of the celebrations centered around the families dining room table and the various foods that they prepared and enjoyed.

I have enlisted the help of several people to pull this educational program off. Theresa Dietz from the Galatia community will be sharing a couple of traditional German recipes she makes for the holidays. Learn how holidays in the Panama are celebrated from Great Bend resident, Mercedes Helms. Several Hispanic students from Barton County Academy will share essays about various celebrations in their country. Participants from the Migrant Parent Program that meets weekly at Washington School will also be involved in the program.

There will be samples of various holiday foods served at the conclusion of the program. So mark your calendar for November 10th and join us at the Burnside room of the Great Bend Recreation Center at noon. The same information (minus some of the food samples) will be shared at the Great Bend Senior Center on Friday, Nov. 12, at 1 p.m. All of our programs are free and open to everyone.