What’s happening: A display of community unity will take place on the evening of Friday, March 7, at the Sterling Heights Community Center. Representatives from an array of cultures and nationalities will gather for the 2025 Cultural Exchange, sharing their food, art, and performances with their fellow neighbors in the community.

What it is: The Sterling Heights Cultural Exchange gathers the diverse array of cultures, communities, and ethnic backgrounds that form together to make the city what it is today. Previous years’ events have included displays from dozens of different ethnic and cultural groups and organizations local to the community, a varied bill of dance and music performances, and a smorgasbord of foods and desserts.

Who’s behind it: The Sterling Heights Ethnic Community Committee are hosts and sponsors of the yearly event. The 11-person committee was formed in 1990 as a means to bring together the city’s diverse group of cultures and ethnic backgrounds that call Sterling Heights home. Cultures represented at this year’s event are expected to include Indian, Iraqi, Irish, Italian, and many more.

What they’re saying: “The evening is really a great chance for people of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds to celebrate their similarities more than their differences,” says Abbott Basal, chairperson of the Ethnic Community Committee. “We are looking forward to participation from the many nationalities in Sterling Heights and surrounding areas.”

What to expect: The annual Sterling Heights Cultural Exchange is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Community Center. The event is free and open to the public, although a minimum suggested donation of $1 is requested at the door.

Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.