INCLUDES FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO | Once again, see families enjoy an afternoon filled with fun, local vendors, live performances, and free resources in Ventura Park …
-1 In the Hazelwood neighborhood, families visit booths of organizations and local businesses at the 2025 Multicultural Kids Festival.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Multicultural Kids Festival, put on by the Slavic Community Center of the Northwest (SCCN), returned this year on September 7 to Ventura Park.
Watch and enjoy our ‘highlights video’ of the Multicultural Kids Festival:
Adults and kids watched the live acts on the large stage; music from their PA system could be heard throughout the festival site.
And, the aroma of food cooking filled the park.
Volunteers Oksana Tkchenko, and Irina Ceaicovschi, and Krystyna Krygina pose for a photo with main event organizer Timur Holove in the SCCN booth.
“We’re so happy to see you again at this, is our 4th annual festival,” welcomed its main organizer, Timur Holove – a community organizer with SCCN.
“And, we’re glad to be back at Ventura Park, especially on such a beautiful day – not too hot, not too cold, not raining, and not smoky – today is just perfect,” observed Holove.
In the outdoor kitchen, volunteers cook huge pans of Plov, a one-pot rice pilaf dish with its roots in Central Asia, and popular across Eastern Europe. It includes meat, onions, carrots, and spices like cumin and coriander, along with rice – and sometimes garlic.
Family dining is an important part of this festival.
“The environment we have here, and the very good turnout, makes all of the work by our some-50 volunteers worthwhile,” Holove told East Portland News.
In addition to the entertainment, kids were delighted to play in multiple bouncy houses, visit the petting zoo, and tackle the Portland Parks & Recreation’s portable climbing column.
The work of young artist Romeo gets the approval of his father, Arturo Martinini.
In the Crafts Pavilion, youngsters explore making beaded bracelets.
“One of the reasons we feel it’s important for us to keep presenting this annual festival is that we have very few summertime gatherings for families in outer East Portland,” explained Holove.
“Also, it’s important because this gives an opportunity for other organizations – nonprofit and governmental agencies, and businesses – to share information about the resources they offer, and to talk about their programs.
“For example, we have Energy Trust of Oregon, Northwest Natural, and Adventist Health, all here showing guests how to save money on energy bills, and giving tips for staying healthy.”
This Mariachi band – along with performers representing Romania, China, Ukraine, and Indonesia – entertain on the Main Stage.
Youngsters find the petting zoo irresistible.
“We also have many small businesses here,” Holove said with pride. “We give them an opportunity to promote their products and their brands to residents in East Portland.
“The best thing that comes from hosting this festival is the people connecting with people, and with resources,” stated Holove. “We say ‘mission accomplished’ when seeing families having a fun time – but having people connect with one another, get to know each other, try some traditional food, and meet some local community members – that is what gives us the greatest feeling of accomplishment.”
Visitors can’t resist taking photos of trucks and cars from former Soviet Bloc countries, on display at the event.
Being the last major outdoor event of the season, the Multicultural Kids Festival was a great way to cap off the summer, for many families.
Find out more about the Slavic Community Center of the Northwest by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.
© 2025 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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