Douglas Park Community School already welcomes the world - 44 per cent of the student population speak a primary language other than English.

But now the school is welcoming the community to help it welcome the world.

Douglas Park school is the site of the first Cultural Day. On July 7 groups from several cultures will gather to celebrate.

"I invite our Langley community to come out and enjoy the day," said principal Ralph Bereska.

The event is a fundraiser and is based on an idea from Ana David, a parent whose child went to Douglas Park. David is with Intercultural BC.

"This is the first time our school has held a multi-cultural fair," he explained.

The school parent advisory council is helping out at the event that is intended to celebrate the diversity that exists in the community.

"We want the students to embrace our diverse background," he said. "If we go back far enough, we all have ancestors that immigrated to this country or have longtime aboriginal customs that have contributed to our community."

Some students will perform at the opening and later during the day.

The schedule runs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the school, 5409 206 St. There will be cultural displays, vendors and crafters, and of course food from many lands. Organizers have worked to include local communities such as First Nations and those who are Karen (formerly of Myanmar).

The entertainment line-up starts with the students doing world songs then Bereska playing accordion.

There will be Jamaican performers, including limbo dancing, Lazare Haulk, a Ghanaian performer and teacher, a Mexican dance troupe, and more. In between acts there will be a DJ.

Admission is free.

hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com