To celebrate Austin’s diverse community and to bring together people from all walks of life, the city of Austin designated Sept. 14-23 as Welcoming Week.

During Monday night’s city council meeting, Mayor Tom Stiehm made a proclamation for “Welcoming Week” in efforts to bring the city’s diverse community together to celebrate.

“Diversity is a vital part of our community,” Stiehm said.

This yearly event attempts to bring communities together to embrace and to celebrate cultural diversity as well as connect residents both new and long-time with one another.

Austin’s not the only city participating, as Welcoming Week happens across the United States with more than 700 events that were hosted in 2017, according to Welcoming Week’s website. This year would be the third time Austin hosted Welcoming Week as a city.

Several events were announced for this year’s lineup, including the Welcome Center-sponsored dinner, tours of ethnic businesses around Austin, a presentation from Riverland Community College students and faculty about their experiences in America, a Hormel Institute tour and an Adult Learning open house, according to a previous story.

Welcoming Week 2018 Events

Sept. 14

YMCA of Austin

The Y branches around the country will hold a multicultural celebration with tables of international food, clothing, artwork and cultural sharing from members and staff based on where they or their ancestors are from.

Time: 10 a.m.

Inviting Table Meal at Welcome Center

The Welcome Center, serving the city of Austin for more than 18 years, will host an inviting table meal. Attendees will share a meal and build community connections across the many cultures that make up the vibrant fabric of Austin.

Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 17

Citizenship Day Celebration!

Celebrate the newest citizens with Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota with a brief program and free cake

Time: 11 to 11:30 a.m.

Adult Learning Open House

Austin Adult Learning hosts an open house to inform the public of their programs available at Riverland and celebrate Citizenship Day.

Time: 4 to 6 p.m.

Explore Your Community-Ethnic Business Tour

The Austin Human Rights Commission invites the public to join them at the African Food Market at 113 4th Avenue NE and the Tienda Y Taqueria Guerrero at 301 4th Avenue NE, which are right around the corner from each other. This is an opportunity to sample food, hear from the owners and operators, and learn about what each business has to offer. This has a space for about 50 participants, so register through Community Ed or contact organizers at austinforhumanrights@gmail.com or on their Facebook page. They will gather at Tienda Y Taqueria Guerrero at 6 p.m. and children are welcome.

Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 19

Riverland- Voices and Stories

Hear from students and faculty on their American journey.

Time: 11 a.m. to noon

Hormel institute Open House Tours

As part of international cooperation and cancer research, join The Hormel Institute for an open house to tour the facility, and learn how the international community strengthens cancer research in Austin.

Time: 4 to 6 p.m.