Celebrate Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Mardi Gras with a vibrant community drum circle, Chinese food, desserts from 3 cultures, and 3 holidays.
On Tuesday, February 17 at 5:00 p.m., the Old Forge Library will host a special Multicultural Celebration bringing together traditions from Ramadan, Mardi Gras, and the Lunar New Year for an evening of community, creativity, and shared experiences.
The event will begin with a welcoming gathering focused on shared intentions, joys, and wishes. Thera Levi of Willow Healing Arts will then lead an interactive drum circle, designed to foster connection, stress relief, and self-expression through guided rhythm.
Following sunset at 5:45, attendees will be invited to share a communal meal featuring Chinese dishes and Ramadan and Mardi Gras desserts, encouraging fellowship and cultural appreciation. There will be dried dates and Middle Eastern cookies to break the fast and an authentic King Cake from New Orleans.
The evening will conclude with hands-on craft stations representing each celebration, including:
Lantern Decorating inspired by the Lunar New Year
Bead Bracelet Making using traditional Mardi Gras colors
Good Deeds or Reflection Cards reflecting the spirit of Ramadan
Lunar New Year, the most important traditional Chinese holiday, marks the beginning of the lunar new year and the end of winter. and welcomes the Year of the Fire Horse, symbolizing renewal, family, and good fortune.
In preparation for the celebration, the Old Forge Library will host a special Craft Night on Wednesday, February 11 at 5 pm. This regular weekly craft night will feature a special project where participants can create two types of drums, spin drums and tambourines for use during the February 17 drum circle. All ages are welcome, and no prior experience is needed to make drums.
Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday,” is traditionally celebrated as a final festive occasion before the Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred time of fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, reflection, and charity, emphasizing spiritual growth, self-discipline, and empathy.
In 2026, all of these holidays fall on February 17. This multicultural celebration is made possible through the generous support of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties. The event is free, open to the public and welcomes all community members of any age.
AGE GROUP: | Tween | Teen | Seniors | Schoolage | Preschool (3-5) | Early Childhood (0-2) | Adult |
EVENT TYPE: | Teen Programs | Children Programs | Adult Programs |
To locate the Library proceed north on Route 28 until you reach the five-way intersection in the center of the village. Then turn left onto Crosby Blvd. and travel one-half block. The Library, a Tudor-style building, is located on the right. Parking is in the rear.
