Mexican dance, Chumash Indian prayers, delectable dishes and an array of displays transformed the Lompoc High School cafeteria into a melting pot of ethnicities during the 19th Annual Carousel of Cultures festival Monday.

The day's festivities coincided with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Egg rolls, soul food that included fried chicken, cornbread and black-eyed peas, and just plain hot dogs were cooked up. Booths with arts and crafts from the West African country of Mali and various other displays were scattered around the cafeteria. The event also included a Lompoc Valley 4-H Club bake sale and petting zoo.

"The reason we have the Carousel of Cultures is for the community to unite," said Gloria Montague, the president of the black civic club Arcturus. "I think culture is a wonderful thing to share."

Montague shared some culture with a display that featured her expansive collection of dolls depicting people from around the world.

Mayor Dick DeWees issued a city proclamation marking the day, which would have been King's 75th birthday.

"Today we celebrate the multiculturalism of our country," DeWees said.

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Patrice Doctor showed off her Barbies decked out in Spanish and Greek garb as well as attire from other countries.

Booths were run by the Council on American Islamic Relations, Arcturus, other organizations, and people who peddled various wares.

Entertainment by Asian dancers and other acts had the crowd oohing and aahing.

"I think it's pretty good," said Larry Lunar. "With the different foods, it's pretty neat. I think it will make people understand each other better."

This was the first Carousel of Cultures for Lunar, but people who have attended before said it was well worth coming again.

"I like to talk to the people at the booth ... there is a lot of passion behind it," said Chava Miranda, who has been to five Carousels of Cultures.

* Staff writer Mark Abramson can be reached at 736-2313, Ext. 126, or by e-mail at mabramson@lompocrecord.com.

Jan. 20, 2004