International Day of Peace to be celebrated in Cape Sunday
With all that is wrong and ugly in the world these days, the International Day of Peace will be celebrated in Cape Coral Sunday at Jaycee Park. The seventh annual Peace Day in the Park runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is full of vendors and many activities for adults, kids and pets.
Vendors will be on hand selling inspiring and creative wares like arts and crafts, food and beverages; ice cream and vegetarian fare; music and dancing performances; pet specific items and multiple rescue charities with animals to be adopted. There’s something for everyone.
“We will have more than 50 vendors,” said organizer Zach VanDyne. “There will be an ice cream eating contest and people can register at 9 a.m. for the doggie walk. Everyone will have an amazing time.”
Early risers are invited to participate in yoga for everyone from 8-10 a.m. before the main celebration begins, just bring a mat or blanket. Organizers are excited that free acupuncture is being made available again this year as well.
“The day is full of inspiration, creativity, fun and peace,” said VanDyne. “It’s like you stepped through a portal. Enjoy the culture of peace and walk away feeling the change.”
Peace Day in the Park is not just an event, it’s a celebration and a fun experience. It’s also about giving back to the community. Visitors are asked to bring non-perishable food items to be given this year to ACT (Abuse, Counseling & Treatment Center) and the local Veterans Administration. The Big Red Bus Bloodmobile of the American Red Cross, which has attended every Peace Day celebration in Cape Coral, will be available again for blood donations to help save local lives.
“Every year gets bigger and better,” said VanDyne. “Last year about 2,000 people attended throughout the day. We collected 673 pounds of food and 63 pints of blood. This year we want to do more.”
One new attraction at this year’s event is the presence of Children With Hair Loss, an organization dedicated to help kids deal with medical-related hair loss. This non-profit does not sell its donated hair and provides solutions for boys and girls alike. Donations of eight inches or more in length will be accepted.
Musicians, performing artists and dancers will be attending from all over the state and as far away as Nebraska, Kentucky and Quebec.
“We have entertainment lined up by Honeycreepers, Strange Arrange-ment, What We Do, Freedom Evolving, Ranee Hose, and YAAD Band,” said VanDyne.
Activities for peace-lovers include a hands-on experience in the arts & crafts tent, educational workshops and information on bee keeping, poi dancing, meditation, belly dancing, kids’ story and music time, face painting, sidewalk chalk art, a magician and a mini petting zoo.
Visitors also can enjoy a leisurely walk around Jaycee Park’s path of infinity, which accurately describes the shape of the pathway.
For more information, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships or donations visit www.peaceday-in-thepark.com.