Portage Library to host Parade of Nations presentations by Betty Chavis, international students Sept. 10

Betty Chavis, who founded the Parade of Nations, which celebrates it 25th anniversary this week, is pictured here directing parade participants in 2006. She will speak about the growth of the annual event during a special presentation at the Portage Lake District Library Wednesday, Sept. 10. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library invites the public to attend an evening of presentations on Wednesday, Sept. 10, in celebration of the Parade of Nations Silver Jubilee. This free event begins at 7 p.m. in the library's community room.

Betty Chavis, who founded the Parade of Nations in 1990, will share her personal recollections of the growth of the event. Joining her will be Michigan Tech international students who will talk about their home countries and cultures. D. M. Ashraf Habib from Bangladesh and Sara Alian from Iran will present a photo slide show, music from their homelands and items from their countries.