POTSDAM -- A day of live music, dancing, exotic foods and more is planned when the annual "World in Potsdam" Diversity Festival kicks off its 17th year Saturday, Nov. 6, at Clarkson University.

Aim of the festival is to bring together members of the Potsdam community to celebrate the village's unique and diverse cultural heritage. All activities are free.

The festival starts with “A Walk for Education from” 10:30 a.m.. to noon, sponsored the National Society of Black Engineers, leaving from the Downtown Snell Hall front lawn.

The opening ceremonies will begin at noon, including a performance by Darryl Tonemah.

Directly after the opening ceremony, the winners of the World in Potsdam Literary Contest will be announced and the winners will read from their works.

From 1 to 3 p.m., festival goers can complement the day's entertainment by sampling cuisine from around the world.

In addition, there will be numerous activities, musical performances, hands-on crafts, demonstrations and international displays for everyone to enjoy. Children will particularly enjoy the Piñata Party from 2-2:30 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Clarkson University, SUNY Potsdam and the Village of Potsdam.

For more information, visit www.worldinpotsdam.org.