WCI to sponsor more than 30 events across the region

This September, West Central Initiative will sponsor more than 30 Welcoming Week events across the nine counties of west central Minnesota to strengthen communities and emphasize the importance of inclusivity in achieving shared prosperity.

Welcoming Week, an initiative created by Welcoming America, offers individuals and communities a chance to embrace welcoming values through events and local efforts that foster a deeper sense of belonging for all, including immigrants and refugees. 

“Welcoming is all about holding space for everyone to find their place in the community and thrive,” said Celeste Koppe, Rural Initiatives Strategist at West Central Initiative. “It’s about bringing neighbors together. This year, we welcome everyone to participate in an event — whether you are a long-time resident or new to the area — you’re invited!” 

2024 Welcoming Week events include:  

• Welcome Wheaton in downtown Wheaton on September 5. 

• Greater Moorhead Days Parade at Romkey Park on September 6. 

• Henna Activity for All Ages at the Douglas County Library in Alexandria on September 14. 

• New Neighbors & New Friends at Doubting Thomas Farms in Moorhead on September 14. 

• Headwaters Day in Breckenridge on September 14. 

• Woodstack at the Prospect House & Civil War Museum in Battle Lake on September 14. 

• Ashby Community FEASTival on September 15. 

• Welcoming Week Family Fun Day at Barsness Park in Glenwood on September 15. 

• Evansville Welcome Supper at the Evansville Senior Center on September 15. 

• Welcoming Differences and Celebrating Similarities in Elbow Lake on September 16. 

• Back-to-School Adult Education at the Pelican Rapids Library on September 16. 

• The Gathering at The River at Spies Park in Fergus Falls on September 16. 

• Welcoming Week Open House at the Douglas County Library in Alexandria on September 16. 

• Book Club, “What we hunger for: refugee and immigrant stories about family and food” edited by Sun Yung Shin at the Detroit Lakes Library on September 17. 

• New York Mills Welcoming Week Street Fair on September 17. 

• Back-to-School Adult Education at the Pelican Rapids Library on September 18. 

• Immigrant Law Center Presentation at the Pelican Rapids Library on September 18. 

• Immigration Trends in Minnesota Virtual Event on September 18. 

• Alexandria Diversity Fest at the Alexandria Technical & Community College on September 19. 

• Connecting Cultures Through Creativity at Kaddatz Gallery in Fergus Falls on September 19. 

• Community Night Out at East Side Park in Morris on September 19. 

• Celebrating African Cuisine at the Manna Food Co-op in Detroit Lakes on September 20. 

• Culture on Tap at Fergus Brewing in Fergus Falls on September 20. 

• All Are Welcome Here at the Fergus Falls Public Library on September 21. 

• Flavors of our Roots-Community Picnic at Brophy Park in Alexandria on September 21. 

• Tomato Recipe Contest in Battle Lake on September 22. 

• Harvest Meal Community Potluck at the Creative Arts Center in Battle Lake on September 22. 

• The Great Battle Lake Turnover from September 13-21. 

• Prairie Lakes Plein Art Exhibition at the Creative Arts Center in Battle Lake from September 1-30. 

• Education Scavenger Hunt in Battle Lake from September 19-22. 

• Welcome Table at the Creative Arts Center in Battle Lake from September 19-22. 

• Zentangle Community Project at the Creative Arts Center in Battle Lake from September 19-22. 

Find event details and a map of events at www.wcif.org/rural-belonging.