Lakeville celebrates cultural, religious diversity, Apple Valley, Minnesota-USA

May 23, 2025

Attendees got to sample foods from around the world and learn about different cultures at the International Day of Living Together in Peace in Lakeville.

Lakeville Rotary members Joshua Lee and Tom Vonhof dedicated two community “Peace Poles” at the International Day of Living Together in Peace. The Peace Poles are a symbol of unity and read “May Peace Prevail On Earth, in our community, in our schools, in our homes, and in our hearts” in several languages spoken in Lakeville including English, Arabic, Hebrew, Hmong, Hindi, Chinese, Somali and Bahaza Malaysian.

Dancers from the Peruvian culture organization Kuyayki Peru performed several different types of dances during International Day of Living Together in Peace in Lakeville.

The fifth annual Lakeville International Day of Living Together in Peace celebration was held in Casperson Park on Saturday. The event featured performances and booths from different cultural, religious and other organizations in the area. 

The International Day of Living Together in Peace was hosted by Lakeville Rotary and the Together in Peace organization as a celebration of diversity in Lakeville.

Several community service organizations were present at the International Day of Living Together in Peace in Lakeville. At one booth, attendees made “fidget toys” for Hope Center in Faribault.

One “Peace Pole” sits by the lake in Casperson Park and one will be placed in downtown Lakeville as a reminder of the cultural diversity in the community. One of the ‘Peace Poles’ is located in Casperson Park.

Nonprofit organization Hong De Wu Guan focuses on sharing Chinese culture through the performing arts. Club members are taught how to perform the “lion dance,” a traditional performance with intricate choreography and musical accompaniment.

Traditional Chinese music was performed on the guzheng instrument.

Community organization Lakeville Friends of the Environment shared information about local environmental initiatives at the International Day of Living Together in Peace in Lakeville.

Dancers from the Lipa Carpatho-Rusyn Slovak organization performed a traditional dance.

Traditional Chinese, Russian, Slovak, Peruvian, Mexican and Indian tunes filled the dome of the Casperson Park bandshell as Lakeville community members learned about different cultures, religious groups, and local organizations on Saturday at the fifth annual International Day of Living Together in Peace celebration.

The event was hosted by Lakeville Rotary and Together in Peace. During the celebration that was filled with dancing, food and other activities, the clubs dedicated two “Peace Poles.” The poles read “May Peace Prevail On Earth, in our community, in our schools, in our homes, and in our hearts” in several languages spoken in Lakeville including English, Arabic, Hebrew, Hmong, Hindi, Chinese, Somali and Bahaza Malaysian. OnePeace Pole was erected in Casperson Park and one in downtown Lakeville.

“The Peace Pole is an internationally recognized symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family, a standing vigil in silent prayer for peace on earth,” said Rotarian and City Council Member Joshua Lee.

There are an estimated 250,000 Peace Poles planted across the world through various organizations. Former Lakeville police chief and Rotary president Tom Vonhof said that the Peace Pole is a symbol of the city’s values.

“Peace is a cornerstone for our mission,” Vonhof said. “We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect. As a Rotarian, I like to think of four questions that are pathways to promoting peace. The first question we ask is ‘Is it the truth?’ The second question we ask is, ‘Is it fair to all concerned?’ The third question is, ‘Will it build goodwill and better friendships?’ And the fourth question is, ‘Will it be beneficial to all?’ We believe that these pathways help make our communities and our world more peaceful.”

The event has grown since its inception in 2020, when Lakeville resident Khaled Elabdi hosted a gathering in his backyard. In 2024, Elabdi and his team founded the Together in Peace organization, which works to promote unity in the city throughout the year with workshops and other educational opportunities.

Story and photos by Kayla Nelsen Sun This week Dakota County Tribune