FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WHAT: Midtown Global Market will be filled with educational and fun activities as it celebrates Kwanzaa on Saturday, December 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Festivities will include:

An opening ceremony hosted by WCCO-TV anchor Reg Chapman, including a Kwanzaa overview and the lighting of the Kinara candles.

“Wake-Up” jazz music by Barbara LaSeur

Storytelling with Nathando Zulu and the Black Story Tellers Alliance

A performance by Voice of Culture African Drum and Dance Co.

Traditional Kwanzaa and holiday songs by jazz musician Thomisina

Children’s activities and prizes

Kwanzaa trivia with prizes for everyone

This event is free and open to the public. 

Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community and culture. It is an African American and Pan-African holiday that is celebrated worldwide December 26 through January 1. The celebration originates from the first harvest celebrations in Africa. Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which is Swahili for "first fruits.”

WHEN: Saturday, December 26, 2009, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Midtown Global Market – Central Plaza, 920 East Lake Street, Minneapolis

Up to three hours of free parking in ramp on 10th Avenue on the east side of the Market 

MORE: www.midtownglobalmarket.org, 612-872-4041

Midtown Global Market is an internationally-themed public market with groceries, great food and unique gifts. There is no better place in town to satisfy your senses. Midtown Global Market contains the best international diversity that has characterized South Minneapolis for decades. Midtown Global Market offers up to three hours of validated parking in the East Ramp, located on Lake Street and 10th Ave S.

CONTACT: Megan Swenson, Nemer Fieger, 952-278-3109 or 612-423-0335