Last year’s Harmony Day celebration at the Harwood Hotel was a vibrant meeting of cultures; a real celebration of the diverse people who call the Clarence Valley home and a true embrace of the ‘everyone belongs’ ideal. This year’s event at the same venue on Sunday March 19 promises to build on last year’s success. “We’re really excited about the day after the amazing and overwhelming response we got after last year’s event,” says the organising committee’s Kathleen Werry. “We’re hoping everyone will show up and support us again this year, to celebrate everything that the cultures and people who make up the Clarence Valley have to offer. “We’ll have dancing and music from a variety of cultures, including Scottish of course. “There will be delicious food, including food from the Marshall Islands, South America, Ireland, Italy and India as well as a sausage sizzle. “There will be special guest speakers, including Chris Gulaptis, the mayor, Jim Simmons, and lecturers from Macquarie University. “There will also be face painting and fun workshops for the kids, including music workshops. “There will be art and history displays and displays done by the local primary schools.” Ms Werry said it was unclear if the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Ray Williams, would attend, as had been planned, due to the recent government ministerial reshuffle. There will also be a bevy of local musicians performing at the event. “We’re aiming to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and foster a sense of belonging for everyone,” Ms Werry said, “as well as having a fantastic day out.” Festivities start at 10am on Saturday March 19.