By Ruth SOWBY

YOUniqueness, a collaboration among the City of Glendale, the YMCA of Glendale and the Foothills, GUSD, GCC and other local organizations, was held on Saturday, March 21 at the YMCA at 141 N. Louise St. Welcomed were several dance troupes that took the stage to show their stuff. After a hearty welcome, event Co-Chair Edith Fuentes announced the opportunity for guests to meet, mix and mingle. Glendale VIPs present included former Glendale mayors Elen Asatryan, Dan Brotman and Ardy Kassakhian.  

“Fifty percent of Glendale residents are from outside the U.S.,” said Brotman. 

 Fuentes’ co-chair was George Saikali who introduced the first act of the evening.  

Mariachi EP Estrellas Del Pacifico, representing the Latino culture, took the stage as some 700 guests returned to their seats after sampling a wide variety of international foods. Especially popular was the Italian booth where hungry guests loaded their plates with pizza slices. The Cuban restaurant Porto’s served its signature potato balls (papa rellena).    

The entertainment included the Korean Fan Dance group represented by JangGo Chum, followed by dancers from the Nanta Group Drum Hiza Yoo Korean Dance Institute. Dancers also represented Hawaii, Ireland, the Philippines and Armenia.  

“The festival brings the community together,” said YMCA Board Chairwoman Elizabeth Manasserian. “All of our ethnic groups are part of the wonderful family called Glendale.”