Princeton's Communiversity 2004 To Kick Off Saturday, Rain or Shine

Candace Braun

Artists, crafters, live music and an array of food will enliven the streets of Princeton this Saturday when Communiversity 2004 kicks off at noon, rain or shine.

The 35-year-old tradition will take place on Nassau and Witherspoon Streets, as well as throughout Princeton University's campus. Both streets will be closed to traffic for the duration of the event, until 5 p.m.

Sponsored by students at the University, as well as the Arts Council, this free event draws more than 10,000 people each year to Princeton. A total of 183 food, information, arts, crafts, games and student organization booths will be part of the day's activities.

Janet Stern, Arts Council's program director, said she is eagerly anticipating this year's event after seeing it cancelled last year due to significant amounts of rain. Vendors reserved spots early this year, as spaces for booths ran out in the middle of March, she said.

"To preclude the terrible disappointment of last year, we will erect canopies over the performing areas if it looks like rain," said Ms. Stern. Some of the day's festivities will include feature performances by 37 groups on four stages, including Flamenco Puro, Sympoh, Naacho, The Klez Dispensers, The Shaxe, and Princetones Jazz Combo.

Also scheduled to perform is Mandorico from Atlanta, Ga., and Danna Banana, a new children's singer and songwriter from New York City. The University's International Center will hold its traditional flag procession by Princeton's international students, representing approximately 40 countries. The procession will begin at 2 p.m. on the Nassau Street stage and end on campus.

The center will also provide international foods and sponsor performances such as the Chinese lion dance.

A new addition to Communiversity this year will be tours of Princeton's campus, given by the student-led Orange Key guide service. Tours will leave from the front of Nassau Hall throughout the day.

Children's activities will include interactive storytelling by the Middle Earth Theater, and creative painting at Nana's Make a Mess Workshop, sponsored by the family of artist Julienne Sylvia Winarsky.

Other children's events include decorating ceramic tiles, face painting, and fishing for prizes in the Arts Council fish pond, sponsored by Nassau Street Seafood/Blue Point Grill.

Public parking for Communiversity will be available in lots and garages located on Chambers, Hulfish, and Spring Streets. Additional parking can be found on side streets and in Princeton University lots 10 and 10A, located off Washington Road on William Street.

For more information, call the Arts Council at (609) 924-8777, or visit www.artscouncilofprinceton.org.