Harvest Sarasota will host its fourth annual Diverse Fest – a family-friendly celebration of inclusion, connection and love – on Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Harvest House campus (3650 17th St.) in Sarasota.
The Diverse Fest, launched in July 2023, features local nonprofits, LGBTQ+ groups, BIPOC-owned businesses, artists, performers, and community organizations. The event will include live performances by DJ Brianna Lee, The Harvest Band and Georgia Moore, with more acts to be added. Workshops will be presented by Stephen Martin of Rising Phoenix Metaphysics, Crunch Fitness, The Sarasota Players, and the League of Women Voters of Sarasota County.
Food will be available from food trucks, including Flavakingdom Kitchen, Chasin Chicken Food Truck,
Simply Greek By WynnBerry, Rolling Perk Coffee Truck, and Songbird Sweets and Treats.
Diverse Fest was born out of a desire to unite communities during a time when social and political division was becoming more prevalent, said Harvest Sarasota president (and guitar player for the Harvest Band) Dan Minor. Team members recognized the need not just to celebrate Pride Month but all marginalized groups. The event was created to bring people together in the spirit of diversity and inclusivity.
“Our festival uplifts every voice and reminds us that our diversity is what makes us strong,” Minor said. “We are looking forward to welcoming the community once again for an unforgettable event that promises to showcase the power of inclusion and love and fun.”
Last year, an estimated 1,500 community members visited the Harvest House campus over the course of the event. All ages are welcome and there are family-friendly activities throughout the day.
Sponsors include the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Seacoast Bank, Stearns Bank, Richard Dean Insurance, Ignite Achievements, and Deming-Rivers Social Club. For more information, visit diversefest.com or email info@harvesthousecenters.org.
Submitted by Sharon Kunkel
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Diverse Fest returns to Sarasota Harvest House to celebrate community
