The sixth annual Cranfest was held Saturday at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center, where the feeling of global camaraderie was palpable.

The festival is organized by the Cranberry Area Diversity Network and showcases performances and food from cultures around the world.

Cranfest is meant to allow longtime residents and recent arrivals to America’s shores a chance to mingle, eat and celebrate those of various nationalities and cultural backgrounds.

Preteen Irish dancers in ornate costumes and girls of the same age in colorful Indian garb could be seen smiling with yet more young people in the traditional costumes of Thai dance.

Cranberry Sunrise Rotary encouraged those in attendance, both young and old and of all nationalities, to scribble a message of peace on a sticky note and attach it to the wall near the Rotary’s Peace Pole.

The Rotary project created a mosaic of inclusive sentiments, which were enjoyed by all the smiling and nodding people who read them.

Chafing dishes full of delicacies native to Colombia, the Philippines, India and other countries tempted those in the center’s gymnasium, who watched performers in costume represent their countries through dance, Taekwondo, and other demonstrations.

Cranfest highlighted the focus of the Cranberry Township board of supervisors on welcoming all walks of life to the township and celebrating their heritages.

Even the young attendees understood the importance of celebrating our differences instead of developing stereotypes based on factors such as skin color.

Max Cisse, 12, said that while he was not invited to play on a white child’s team when he was younger because his skin is dark, he has not experienced any negative occurrences lately.

We applaud the Cranberry Area Diversity Network and township officials for organizing and promoting events like Cranfest, where everyone can learn people of the world are more alike than different.

We hope the messages of love and peace for people of all cultures that were conveyed at Cranfest will spread throughout the county and among all its residents, until all are willing to extend a hand to their neighbors, regardless of the color of their skin.

— PJG