Colombian Cultural Garden Dedication Cleveland Cultural Gardens
MLK Blvd. November 17, 2024
The Cleveland Cultural Gardens consists of over 250 acres of land that includes about 40 (with 15 more in the works) gardens dedicated to various cultures. They are unique in the world and over 100 years old. After six years of planning, fund-raising and hard work the Ohio Colombian Foundation dedicated the Colombian Cultural Garden on Sunday November 17, 2024. It became the first Cultural Garden of a Latino culture.
The ceremony began with MC Rosa Briola and Ohio Colombian Foundation President Ivan Cerquera welcoming the crowd and beginning the dedication. Ivan said it was a six year process.
Rosa Briola
Ivan Cerquera
Next, Rosa introduced the other board members and then everyone sang the national anthems of the US and Colombia.
Board Members of Ohio Colombian Foundation
Singing the national anthems
Consul Diego Angulo, Ivan Cerquera and Rosa Briola
Next children gathered by the official sign of the Garden and ceremoniously uncovered it.
Uncovering the Colombian Cultural Garden sign
Next, US Senator-elect Bernie Moreno gave his remarks. He noted how his family came to the US from Colombia in 1971.
US Senator-elect Bernie Moreno in Colombian Cultural Garden
Following him was the Colombian Consulate from Chicago Diego Angulo.
Colombian Consulate from Chicago Diego Angulo
Next, Dr. Wael Khoury, president of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation and CCGF Executive Director Lori Ashyk spoke.
Dr. Wael Khoury
Lori Ashyk
Then were the Presentation of Awards and special recognition. Board member Alby Glassmeyer recognized sponsor Gallucci's Italian Foods and Ivan Cerquera awarded Barroco Arepa Bar.
Marc Kotora of Gallucci's
Barroco Arepa Bar honored
Ivan and Rosa then gave some history of the Colombian Garden and announced some future plans for Phase 2 and beyond in their closing remarks.
Rosa Briola, Ivan Cerquera and Alby Glassmeyer
Wael Khoury, Bernie Moreno, Diego Angulo and Ivan Cerquera
This video features highlights of the dedication ceremony including the sign unveiling and all the speeches.
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Enjoy these other images from the Colombian Garden Dedication
Ivan Cerquera
Angelina Klopp, Consul Diego Angulo and Luzelena Klopp
Senator Bernie Moreno wife and daughter with Consul Angulo
Pilar Lachwanni, Ivan Cerquera and Rosa Briola
The next generation
Rosa Briola, Angelina Klopp, Consul Diego Angulo and Luzelena Klopp
