5th Annual International Children's Day

The Turkish Cultural Center Long Island (TCCLI) had organized the 5th Annual International Children’s Day event at Molloy College this year, in 2012. The event has become a tradition for Long Island families and kids. Every year kids look forward to come to Children’s Day event.  They fully enjoy this day because parents dedicate the whole day for their kids.

The event started at 12:00 p.m. with pre-show entertainment for kids. The clowns, spider-man, Elmo, cotton candy, balloon twisting and face painting entertained kids. There were indoor and outdoor tables occupied by parents enjoying Turkish food and spending time with each other while kids are running around exploring the fun stations set up for them on their special day. The program started at 2:00 p.m. with humorous hosts Orhan and Roxanne.  TCCLI president Sadri Altinok stated, “This is a National Holiday in Turkey dedicated to all kids.”  Different dance groups came to demonstrate their national dance.  Groups that performed were Chinese, Polish, Albanian, African American, Korean, Indian, Bosniak, Taiwan, Turkish and Azerbaijani.  Furthermore, there was a surprise magic show for kids, which they were amazed by the tricks. Some kids volunteered to help the magician on stage, but they were fooled by the magic instead.  The most stunning illusion was when magician kept one of the volunteers up on the air floating and the most fearsome illusion was when a toy snake jumped out of a box, which was thought real. Assemblywoman Schimel, Nassau County Legislative Fran Becker and Executive Director of Peace Island Institute Murat Kaval took the stage to present plaques to groups and they all thanked TCCLI for organizing an event for kids. Honorary guests were; Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, Nassau County Legislative Fran Becker, Chairman of Human Rights Commission Syed, Executive Director of Peace Island Institute Murat Kaval and Assemblyman Michael Montesano.

The International Children’s Day had started in Turkey on April 23rd, 1929. In Turkey it’s called “Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı” which means,  “The National Independence and Children’s Day."  In 1929, Ataturk dedicated this day to kids and that was a first in the world. Eventually it became a national holiday in Turkey. The International Children’s Day is recognized and accepted at the World Conference for Well-being of Children. Many participants from all around the world come to Turkey to join the celebration on April 23rd every year. Turkish families once again show their hospitality by hosting these kids that come for festivities.  The goal of this event is to create lifelong friendship despite different cultures and race.  

One of the audience remarked “This is a very important day for kids.  It is a national holiday in Turkey why shouldn’t be here in United States?  There are many kids here from every country in the world.  Kids are our future and we should dedicate them a special day one day of the year.”  TCCLI will do their sixth annual International Children’s Day next year and they always look forward for help and new ideas to improve each year.
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