Unity Fest returns for 11th year

One of Glendale’s major thoroughfares will be transformed into an international street fair aimed at celebrating the city’s cultural diversity this Saturday.

The annual Unity Fest will take over Brand Boulevard between Wilson and California avenues from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday for the 11th year and include international foods, children’s games and activities, arts and crafts, and a variety of live dance and musical performances, including bands from local high schools.

“The goal is to bring the community together and celebrate the diversity in Glendale,” said Patty Betancourt, a member of the Unity Fest’s planning committee.

This year’s event will feature an international food court with Mediterranean, Korean and Mexican foods, as well as American favorites like gourmet burgers, Betancourt said.

Scheduled performers include the Hoover High School Jazz Band, Djanbazian Dance Academy, Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca and the Valido Academy of Martial Arts.

Several multicultural vendors, city departments and community organizations will have a presence at the event, as will Glendale’s Armenian and Korean sister cities.

Mayor Frank Quintero said the event has been “very successful throughout the years.”

The event has attracted more than 10,000 visitors each year, according to organizers.

“I think it’s very important that we come together and enjoy each other’s company and just generally have a good time,” Quintero said.

The festival is free, as is parking in the city’s Orange Street Parking Structure, 222 N. Orange St.

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