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Celebrating Cultures 2026

Community Art & Cultural Exchange
Co-Presented with Niijii Radio
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
@ NYM Sculpture Park / Barn

All are invited to the 6th Annual Celebrating Cultures, a family-friendly community art and cultural exchange event!  Join us at the New York Mills Sculpture Park / Barn just off Highway 10 in New York Mills between 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. This event is free to attend and will include both free and paid activities/products for sale.

This community gathering is co-hosted by the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center and Niijii Radio, White Earth.

Whether you’ve attended in years past or this is your first time, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, welcoming celebration of cultures in New York Mills.

✨ Planned performances:

Please note: times and order are subject to change.

  • 4:00 Kip Peltoniemi - Finnish music
  • 4:30 WB Reid & Kristian Bugge - Danish + American music
  • 5:00 Armando Mendez - Mexican music
  • 5:30 Buffalo River Drum and Dance - Ojibwe music and dance
  • 6:00 Project : Constellation (Santiago and Christina Silva) - Norwegian music
  • 6:30 Heather & Thistle Pipes & Drums - Scottish music

✨ Planned activities:

Activities will be available throughout the event.

  • "Finland in a Suitcase" with Amy & Adam Tervola Hultberg
  • Explore genealogy with East Otter Tail History Museum
  • Learn about the Finnish culture with Finn Creek Museum
  • All-ages crafts with Niijii Radio, including corn husk dolls, language coloring pages, pony bead keychains and barrettes, and more
  • Scribbletastic Fun-O-Matic Command Post with Artist Brad Wegscheid
  • Children's art activities, "Know Your Neighbor," Art in Your Park 2026 schedule release, and merchandise sales by NYMRCC
  • Family Resource Center informational booth with Sara Hotakainen
  • Finnish Weaving with NYMRCC Artist-in-Residence, Nanilee Robarge
  • Christina Cookie Stewart selling handmade items
  • Learn about West Central Initiative's Rural Belonging program

✨ Food available for purchase:

More information will be added as activities, artists, businesses, and organizational partners are added. See below to register today, e-mail info@kulcher.org, or call us at 218-385-3339 to join us in celebrating cultures, community, and connections!

Please note, in case of inclement weather, we plan to move the event indoors at the New York Mills City Hall Ballroom (28 W Centennial 84 Dr, New York Mills, MN 56567); please check kulcher.org and follow the Cultural Center on social media (Facebook and Instagram) for updates.

🙌 Cultural Partners Invited!

We’re actively seeking individuals and groups from all cultural backgrounds to help make this a truly cross-cultural event. If you have traditions, stories, art, music, or food to share, we want to hear from you!

All ideas are welcome -- this is a celebration of cultures, creativity, and community. 

👉 To get involved, contact us at info@kulcher.org or 218-385-3339.

Examples of participation:

  • Interactive art activities (for kids & adults)

  • Artist or maker demos

  • Cultural food vendors or trucks

  • Storytelling or music

  • Performances, dance, or hands-on workshops

  • Public art projects

🎨 Artists, Makers, and Culture Bearers

Artists, makers, and culture bearers are invited to set up a booth to demonstrate, lead an activity, and/or sell handcrafted items.

  • Bring your own setup (table, chairs, tent, etc.)

  • Setup starts at 2:00 PM on May 20

  • Space is limited and pre-registration is required

  • Send us your details so we can help promote your work!

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Your Phone Number (required)

    What would you like to sell or demonstrate?

    How can we contact you?
    PhoneEmail

    Let’s celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of our region together. 

    💬 Questions? Email us at info@kulcher.org or call 218-385-3339.

    This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through grants from Lake Region Arts Council and the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. 

    Celebrating Cultures is also sponsored by West Central Initiative.