Cultural pride shined at second annual Culture Festival at Baker High School

The hallways of C.W. Baker High School were alive with excitement Thursday evening as more than 30 cultures were highlighted at the second annual Culture Festival.

Guests sampled empanadas from Venezuela, soda from Jamaica and strawberry drink from the Haudenosaunee. Irish dancers and African drummers performed and the sound of bagpipes echoed through the halls.

Students, staff and members of the community attended.

“This is amazing,” several guests commented.

Aidan Priest, a senior at C.W. Baker High School, wants the Baldwinsville Central School District to express and embrace its diversity.

“I’m very happy with the turnout,” he said Thursday night.

Last year, Aidan organized the inaugural Culture Festival to shine a spotlight on the various cultures represented in the BCSD community. Aidan was inspired by taking part in InterFaith Works of CNY’s “Community Wide Dialogue to End Racism” between Baker and Corcoran high school students. Corcoran hosts a culture festival and Aidan thought it would be a great way to showcase Baldwinsville’s diversity.

Aidan said he was impressed with the tables this year.

“People really stepped up their game,” he said.

Aidan is handing over the organizer role to sophomore Cesar Perez-Marino.

“I’m excited to see this festival continue for years to come,” Aidan said.