Alliance Family Day at the Brookfield Zoo

On Saturday, July 11th the Chicago Cultural Alliance teamed up with the Brookfield Zoo for the second time this summer to celebrate Family Day at the Zoo. With the weather much nicer this time (no rain in sight!) core members were able to enjoy a beautiful day at the zoo while simultaneously being able to experience the fun cultural games, activities, and performances taking place at the Carousel Plaza.

The Highland Dancers of the Illinois St. Andrew Society started off the morning with exciting dances that all were able to enjoy. They even gave lessons to those who were interested!. Their beautiful and colorful costumes (along with their mascot--Bennie the Car) attracted people from all over the zoo for the show. Later in the day, the Plaza was packed yet again as the Swahili Institute of Chicago presented a N'goma drumming performance.

In addition to the performances, visitors were able to learn about the Chicago Cultural Alliance and some of its Core Member organizations by visiting booths set up throughout the Plaza. While the Alliance had its flag and language matching games to test visitors' knowledge of Chicago's ethnic communities, passersby were also able to get their names written in Arabic or tattooed at the Arab American Action Network's booth and to play the Brazilian traditional strategic game "Jaguar and Dogs" against a member of the Brazilian Cultural Center of Chicago at their booth.

Overall, it was a great, fun day for all! We hope you can join us next year!