POCATELLO — Lookout Point will host a special event for World Refugee Day from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday to celebrate and honor refugees around the world.

Organized by area resident Lena Contor, known locally for her contributions to the besieged people of Ukraine, the event will have a focus on the multitude of different cultures across the globe and showcase some of their native food dishes, games and music.

World Refugee Day is an international day of reflection and celebration first established by the United Nations on June 20, 2001. The event is a way to recognize the various diverse and enriching cultures of refugees and is an opportunity for understanding and acceptance.

The event at Lookout Point will be free to the public and include a variety of fun activities for all ages.

Attendees can sample food from 18 countries that includes Laotian spring rolls, Mexican sweet rice, Taiwanese beef and stir fry veggies, Armenian plov and countless other diverse dishes.

Over 20 countries and cultures will be represented through the various food, performances, games and crafts at the event. Dancers, singers and musicians at the site will be performing in their traditional clothing.

Community resources will also be available to refugees and immigrants that include free English as a second language library classes and the Pocatello Free Clinic and Bridges Idaho will present educational games and a slide show. The Idaho Central Credit Union booth will also be in attendance as one of the sponsors.

“There will be 15 activity stations for kids and adults,” Contor said. “To increase participation, I’m making “passports” for kids. If they check out every activity station and get their passports stamped, they will be able to enter for a raffle prize. We will have awesome prizes for kids and adults. Adults will be encouraged to participate by solving a crossword puzzle with “hello” in all those languages. The answers to the crossword will be all over the park.”

While many of the cultures represented at the event may not have much representation locally, Contor wanted to create a space where anyone, especially immigrants, would feel welcome.

“Pocatello doesn’t have refugees from many counties or doesn’t have enough of them to put together a big event,” Contor said. “So, what I decided to do is to celebrate the World Refugee Day by celebrating the cultures present in our city and made it open to any culture willing to participate. The goal is to bring our community together and celebrate our cultural diversity. Eating together can do miracles.”