By Joe Bachman
Editor

STEVENS POINT — On Saturday, May 18, community members will celebrate 162 years of cultural heritage in the area.

Dubbed the “Cultural Spring Fling”, the event will feature live Polka, dancing, raffles, as well as various genealogy items. Those interested in learning more about the sister cities of Stevens Point will have their chance to do so. The event will also serve as a way to kick off the campaign to raise money for the three walkways in the cultural commons to be paved with area donors.

The tower bell is nearing completion, as it finishes production in Yaroslavl, Russia. (Contributed Photo)

“We’re looking at bringing an awareness outside of Portage County to connect with the sister cities in Nicaragua, Poland and Russia.” said Cultural Commons representative Trish Mrozek.

As construction continues on the cultural commons, the Pfiffner Park project will seek to build a bridge between communities in Wisconsin, Nicaragua, Russia and Poland. More specifically, connecting the sister cities of Gulcz, Poland, Rostov Veliky, Russia, and Esteli, Nicaragua to Stevens Point.

The project will feature three sections: the gardens, an outdoor amphitheater classroom, and the commons, which features various sculptures and paved walkways. This heritage park will all be inspired by the sister cities of Stevens Point.

“We’re trying to teach heritage among all different nationalities.” said Mrozek.

The project currently sits in phase one with construction of the gardens. Watching over the gardens will be a special-made bell, currently in development in Yaroslavl, Russia. The bell is slated to be finished and shipped in late May.

This cultural event will be held at the Family Moose Center, 1025 Second St. Start time is 7PM and will run to 11PM. For more information on how the cultural commons project is coming together, please visit http://www.spculturalcommons.com/