United In Fun!

The 2004 United Cultures Street Festival, which brings together vendors and artists representing the celebrated multicultural diversity of Queens in one big street fair, will be organized by Natives Theater and Restaurant on October 9 from 10 am until 6 pm.
The event, which is free to the public, will take place on Junction Boulevard between Roosevelt Avenue and 35th Avenue.
All visitors will have the opportunity to explore and enjoy a variety of multicultural events, including folk dancing, live music, and a colorful "Parade of Nations." Booths will be available during the day to rent for selling food and crafts.
Currently over thirty vendors are booked to attend, offering their unique crafts and tempting international cooking to the crowds.
Fire safety demonstrations will be offered by the Fire Department and Elmhurst Hospital will provide free screening for asthma, HIV and other community health concerns.
Children will find plenty of activities to delight them too, including a bouncy castle and other kids favorites.
Natives is also currently casting for their Halloween childrens party, the "Little Stars of 2004," show which will be held on October 31. Casting will take place each Saturday until the event. Parents with interested children between the ages of 6 and 11 are welcome to come and fill out an application to perform. All you have to do is outline how you want to perform – in song, poetry or performance – and give a brief audition of your piece.
The big performance on October 31 will include a big opening number, and then individual kids performances will include dancing, singing, poetry and performance.
A costume show will feature the individual costumes of the participating kids in a fashion show setting and the whole event will wrap up with a terrific Halloween party.
Call Natives at (718) 457-9946 for more information.
E-mail this reporter at cahir@queenscourier.com