PEACE FAIR IN DOWNTOWN CRANFORD AUGUST 7

[monica]

The Union County Peace Council is holding their colorful 14th annual Peace and World Friendship Arts Fair in downtown Cranford Sunday August 7, 1-7 PM. The theme of this year's fair is "Sharing this Earth" and will include a special report on current Native American issues, focusing on a recent recent youth suicide epidemic on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Donations will be accepted by check that will be mailed to Running Strong for American Indian Youth, a charity that serves the needs of American Indians by helping to create sustainable change in Native communities providing safe housing, basic needs, culture and language preservation, emergency assistance programs, organic gardens and food, schools and youth centers, women’s health, and seasonal programs. Bring your checkbook if you wish to donate and bypass internet and credit card charges. Please visit http://indianyouth.org/.

There will also be talks on the topics of creating a United States Department of Peace, and a first-hand report from Syria. Once again, the fair will feature displays of artwork by Union County artists, local music performers, an opportunity to learn paper crane origami, and representation by local organizations that foster peace, diplomacy, humanitarianism and an end to nuclear weapons.

The fair will be held at the Eastman Plaza Clock Park, located at 2 Eastman St at North Avenue and is a family-friendly event. There will be free parking. The day will end with a music jam and a drum circle for peace so bring your drum or other percussion instrument. Vendors and artist displays are welcome, $10 donation for a 4 ft. x 6 ft. table space; contact Monica Shimkus at unioncounty...@gmail.com or text or call (908) 884-1262. Please visit http://unioncountypeacecouncil.tumblr.com/ for up-to-date musician and weather info. Rain date is August 14.