By Heather Collins
The Whitestown Human Relations Commission has begun planning several new events and activities to celebrate diversity throughout the community.
On Oct. 21, the commission will present the Whitestown Festival of Lights Celebration at the Whitestown Municipal Complex. The inaugural event will include traditional Indian cuisine, culture and dancing and present the history of the Festival of Lights. The Festival of Lights celebrates Diwali, a five-day festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. The free event has already sold out with more than 500 people reserving their spot.
The commission also plans to hold the first ever Pride Fashion Show in Whitestown. It will occur during Pride Week, with dates still to be determined. Yoskisha Rollins, president of the Whitestown Human Relations Commission, said this will be the first fashion show of its kind in the area, and they anticipate having a transgender emcee and deejay for the event.
“The Whitestown Human Relations Commission is both eager and excited to bring awareness, education and community together with opportunities to learn about the diverse origins of the people who make and call this community home,” Rollins said. “Together we engage in fun, educational and enlightening events that could mold diversity for Whitestown and surrounding communities.”
A Piñata Party to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month was tentatively scheduled to occur during the last Whitestown Farmers Market, but has been cancelled because of the event being too close to the Whitestown Festival of Lights.
