Uniquely Auburn, a community celebration, returns Sunday

Uniquely Auburn - a free community-sponsored celebration of cultural diversity recognizing people, places and events that make Auburn unique ­– unfolds 2 p.m. Sunday at the Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St.

Reporter staff

Auburn dances, reads poetry, plays cello, even boasts a young international cup stacking champion.

And that’s just for starters.

So come and prepare to be dazzled by the sparkling diversity at Uniquely Auburn’s celebration at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St.

The free, community-sponsored event, in its 18th year, recognizes people, places and happenings that set Auburn apart.Here’s a small sampling of what to expect

.To please the ears, Brian Wharton, principal cellist with the Auburn Symphony, will perform classics with a cello choir.

Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Backus has prepared a top 10 list, a la David Letterman, to tickle the funny bone.

The Lakeland Hills Elementary Green Team, chock full of useful info about going green and recycling, will offer a demonstration in the lobby.

Mark Sisson, who teaches Native American studies at Olympic Middle School, has prepared a talk, with Native American dancing to follow.

Auburn School District Superintendent Kip Herren presents a 3D video of Auburn High School to be that he wants everybody to see.

Local veterinarian Don Edwards will talk about animals, even show off a few.Olympic Middle School’s Robotics team will do a demonstration in the lobby.

Among the short videos, a commemoration of the memorable night a thief broke into the Sunbreak Cafe and scuttled off, not with cash but with some tasty banana bread.

Gabby Rivera, a fifth-grader at Dick Scobee Elementary and an international cup stacking champion, will display her prowess.

And dancers from Auburn Dance Academy will make folks ooh and awe with fancy footwork.

After the program in the theater, enjoy a complimentary, “sit-down” dinner. On the menu, Greek/Mediterranean food and trivia, with prizes. The Lakeland Hills Green team will provide composting bins.

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Soroptimist International of Auburn, City of Auburn Arts Commission, Auburn School District, and Trillium sponsor the 18th annual event.

For more information, please call Janice Nelson at 206-349-3061. Find the event on Facebook or visit www.uniquelyauburn.org.