International Day of Peace 2008

The International Sonoran Desert Alliance, in collaboration with the local school, businesses and civic organizations, will hold its 5th annual International Day of Peace celebrations in Ajo, AZ, 2008.

In Ajo Arizona, located about 40 miles from the Mexican border and next door to the Tohono O’odham Nation, it’s not political and religious motivations that drive the focus of the International Day of Peace celebration. Rather, it’s the idea of community as Ajo chooses to bring its three cultures – Hispanic, Tohono O’odham and Anglo - together in a fun, celebratory way that highlights respect for individuals, families, the community, the environment and the world at large.

The United Nations General Assembly in 1981 passed resolution 36/67 declaring an International Day of Peace; in 2001 it declared September 21 of each year the official date for international celebration and observation.

This year in Ajo, the celebration will be a two-day event. Kicking it off Sunday morning Sept. 2008, in the Ajo Plaza, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, will be a free pancake breakfast served to the community, accompanied by live music by singer/guitarist, Ruth Vichules of Phoenix.

During the same time, adults and youth alike will join to create peace-themed chalk art on the Plaza sidewalks. At 7 p.m., the New Swingtime Jazz Band of Scottsdale will entertain in the Ajo Plaza while folks dance and enjoy family picnics.

On Monday, Sept. 2008, from 3:15 to 5 p.m., the annual "After School Peace Festival" will be held on the Ajo Unified School District campus on Well Road. At 5:15 p.m., Festival participants will line up to begin the International Day of Peace Parade to the Plaza. Along with their neighbors in Sonoyta, Mexico, and the Tohono O’odham Nation, Ajo youth and adults will parade large dove puppets with 15-foot wingspans, dove and raven headdresses, giant Sonoran Desert critter puppets, peace poles and peace flags - all featured in this colorful multicultural community parade of about 200 participants. Leading the parade to the Plaza will be 1,000 origami peace cranes (a gift from a Japanese peace delegation).

Beginning at 5 p.m. in the Plaza, the Tohono O’odham band, Pisinemo & Company, will perform, food vendors will sell food and the community will begin gathering to dance and welcome the International Day of Peace parade. When they arrive, parader's will join the rest of the community to watch cultural dance troupes Ballet Folklorico de Ajo and the Tohono O’odham Basket Dancers from Gila Bend.