District 5 and 6's Sweet Diversity satisfies sweet tooth at Eastgate

Eastgate Town Center Cafe will set the scene for residents of Districts 5 and 6 to mingle at Sweet Diversity Oct. 6 from 6-8 p.m.

Anyone living in the communities of Eastdale, Brainerd, Tyner, Shepherd and Bonny Oaks is invited to come meet their neighbors while sampling sweets from a variety of cultures in order to celebrate the diversity found in their own backyard.

photo Committee members for the upcoming Sweet Diversity event for Districts 5 and 6 meet to plan the free public event. Front from left are Jenni Berz, Armelia Williams and Sandra Ledford. Back from left are Sharon Cannon, Minnie Wiley, Nicole Gwyn, Alan Richelson and Angie Daly. Not pictured are Nan Zamata, John McGirk and Flo Clark.

"Districts 5 and 6 are two of the most diverse districts in Chattanooga with racial, ethnic and socio-economic diversity," said event committee member Jenni Berz, who lives in District 6's Brainerd Hills. "What better way to bring people together than to serve sweets."

Each host table will provide a taste of something sweet or salty, she said, naming off sweets like pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, chocolate cake, brownies, coconut cake and various cookies.

It is not necessary to host a table. But those who do are asked to not only share dishes from the land of their heritage, but also the recipe for whatever dish they bring. Recipes should be printed out so attendees can take them home.

Berz said some communities even wear costumes, like Shepherd Community Council members who wear native African costumes.

In years past, she said African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and Filipino community members have taken part in Sweet Diversity. This year's event will have a variety of entertainment to suit everyone, she said. A flute player, belly dancers and Eastgate Town Center Senior Steppers will all perform.

"People are so busy these days, they just go home at night to their neighborhoods," said Berz. "This gives them the opportunity to go out and meet people from other neighborhoods in their community and enjoy the food and entertainment."

Door prizes will be awarded to participants and a cake walk will be available for people to win homemade cakes.

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