Record Breaking One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens
For Immediate Release
August 28, 2023
Cleveland, OH –The 77th annual One World Day broke records for attendance and participation. Cleveland Police estimated that over 50,000 people attended at some point during the day.
The Parade of Flags was also a record breaker. Over 1500 marchers from 53 heritages marched in colorful costumes carrying flags. Video and a list of the 53 groups.
The Parade Grand Marshal was Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne who led the Parade with Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation President Dr. Wael Khoury. In a sign of unity, the MCs for the Parade were from the 4 major TV stations in Cleveland: Danielle Wiggins from WKYC. Kelly Dobeck from WOIO. Nadeen Abusada from WEWS and Tino Bovenzi from Fox 8 TV. Media coverage was local, regional, national and even international with Middle East News, TV Asia and more on site.
Efforts were made to attract visitors to some of the new gardens (French, Uzbek, Colombian Ethiopian, Egyptian, etc.) toward the south end of MLK with the placement of the popular Children’s Village located there. Adults relaxed at 3 beer gardens spread out in the German, Irish and Serbian gardens. Many gardens had their own food, beverages and desserts available and there were lots of food trucks. Ethnic shopping was available in three market places.
Kids of all ages visited the 40 gardens that participated in the Passport program and learned about the country or completed a task before getting their passports stamped and turning them in for prizes.
The Consul General of Pakistan from Chicago raised the flag for the first time in their garden. Almost 200 women in saris gathered in the India Garden. The Native American Garden made their first appearance. Other first-time communities included Iran, Kazakhstan, Palestine, Dominican Republic, Morocco, Bangladesh and more.
The Naturalization Ceremony where 25 new citizens (from about 20 countries) were sworn in brought many to tears. New citizens were so proud and happy and shared their joy with family members.
Thousands watched ethnic and cultural performances on the main stage at the Centennial Peace Plaza but also in most of the Gardens.
Find out more about the 77th One World Day
Platinum Sponsors include Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Cleveland City Council and Key Bank.
Contact us for photos and post-event interviews.
One World Day Producer
Johnny Wu johnny@mdifilm.com 216-539-4634
Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation Executive Director
Lori Ashyk l.ashyk@clevelandculturalgardens.org. 216-220-3075.
OWD Branding and Marketing Chair
Dan Hanson dan@clevelandpeople.com 216-990-5925
###