For its fourth year, Woodbury will host One Woodbury, a free public celebration honoring the city’s multicultural community.

“One Woodbury is for everyone,” city community relations coordinator Genesis Sudderth said. “We invite Woodbury residents, families, community organizations and anyone who wants to be part of celebrating the diversity and connections that make our community special.”

The family-friendly event takes place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Ojibway Park in Woodbury. The celebration will include live music, food trucks, bounce houses and community resource booths.

One Woodbury began in 2023 as a collaborative effort between the city, its community partners and Woodbury residents, according to Sudderth.

“It was a grass-roots effort, with input from many of our residents,” Sudderth said.

According to Sudderth, Woodbury sought out community feedback for the event by hosting engagement sessions and distributing surveys.

In addition to the annual celebration, One Woodbury has expanded to offer a series of events throughout the year organized and funded by the event’s community partners, Sudderth said.

“This allows for more opportunities for the community to come together to learn, grow and celebrate one another,” Sudderth said.

The next One Woodbury series event is 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Woodbury Central Park Amphitheater, 8595 Central Park Place. The event will be hosted in collaboration with the Woodbury Racial Equity Collaborative, Woodbury Community Foundation and Woodbury Thrives and will include resources and a panel discussion on “building a healthier Woodbury.”

Changing demographics

As Woodbury’s population grows more diverse, One Woodbury helps residents feel a sense of belonging and see their cultures and experiences reflected in the community, Sudderth said.

“At the same time, One Woodbury is for everyone. It’s an opportunity to discover something new, connect with people you may not otherwise meet and celebrate what we have in common,” Sudderth said. “Events like this help strengthen the connections that make a community feel like home.”

In 2010, Woodbury’s population consisted of close to 79% white, 9% Asian, 5% Black, 4% Hispanic or Latinx and other groups each less than 3%, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, the American Community Survey and the Metropolitan Council.

By 2024, the population shifted to 69% white, 13% Asian, 8% Black, 5% Hispanic or Latinx and small increases in the other categories.

Entertainment lineup

Entertainment and food featured at the event will celebrate the diversity of the Woodbury community, according to Sudderth.

Performers include DJ D.I.M.E., Salsa del Sol, Titambe West African Dance, Imnisaska Drum Group, the Park High School Step Team, Venus Dancers, Kuyayki Peru, Pasion Marinera Norteña and Hong De Kung Fu.

Food available includes Pharaoh Gyros, Kozak Corner, Belly Bites, Obleas de la Abuela Napa, California Dip & Eat and beverages from the Hydration Shuttle.

“I’d encourage everyone to come out and experience One Woodbury for themselves,” Sudderth said. “We’re excited to welcome everyone, and hope people leave having learned something new, made a connection or simply had a really good time.”