Castle Museum books another series of cultural celebrations

by janet i. martineau

Carolanne Killmer Irish dancers

Hawaii meets Russia this summer as the Castle Museum, 500 Federal in Saginaw,  again hosts a “Cultural Celebration”  series featuring music, dancing, food, traditional crafts and games from countries around the world.

All the programs begin at noon on Thursdays. They are:

-- June 13, Hawaii. The Expressions in Motion Dance group from Bay City perform Hawaiian dance and then teach the  audience “Tiny Bubbles.” 

-- June 20, Ireland. Members of  Saginaw’s Carolanne Killmer School of Dance perform traditional Irish dancing in traditional dress.

-- June 27, Mexico. Ricardo Verdoni of Saginaw will talk about “Growing Up in the Mexican Circus” and his family which is still in the business. 

-- July 11, Greece. Tom Veremis of Zorba’s Greek Restaurant will talk about “Zorba’s: An American Dream,” following his emigration from Greece to America and how he followed his dream of becoming a bar and  restaurant owner.

-- July 18, Native Americans. Members of the Anishinaabe culture, Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, will discuss the history and culture of the Anishinabek. 

They will also talk about the significance of the Round Dance and will have the audience participate.

-- July 25, Russia. Stephen Scherer, a history professor at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, will discuss the significance of Russian icons and have some artifacts on display.

-- Aug. 1, Afro-American. Students from the ACT-SO group will perform Afro Modern Dance.

-- Aug. 8, Europe. The European farming cultures will be celebrated during “Wheat Weaving,” a traditional craft of many European cultures. Participants will create a basic weaving project, the friendship loop, thought to bring health and happiness to the home in which it hangs.

All the events are free with $1 admission fee to the museum but reservations are required. Call Lisa McCartney at 752-2861, Ext. 315 for more details and/or to make a reservation.

 Guests are welcome to bring their own lunch. A dessert related to each culture will be offered at the event.