(Lawrenceville, Ga. Sept. 7, 2022) – Georgia’s most diverse county will celebrate its welcoming and inclusive community by holding its first-ever Welcoming Week Festival this weekend with arts and crafts, games, food and more.

The County will host the festival Saturday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Plaza. The festival kicks off the County’s recognition of Welcoming Week, a nationwide initiative focusing on the places and spaces that foster belonging for all, including immigrants, refugees and newcomers. The week is observed Sept. 9-18.

“People from all around the world have made Gwinnett home, so we strive to celebrate our rich diversity and be intentional about inclusion in everything we do,” said Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson. “Welcoming Week gives us another opportunity to ensure all residents feel a sense of belonging and can be fully engaged in our community.”

Earlier this year, the County joined the Welcoming Network, an international association of more than 300 local governments and nonprofits. Run by Welcoming America, the network helps members increase equity in areas such as language access, health care and economic development. Guests are invited to register in advance at GCGA.us/WelcomingWeek.

Also, Gwinnett will celebrate Welcoming Week with three partner events including an African Immigrant Heritage Month reception, in partnership with the African Women Public Advocacy Committee, held on Friday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center; and a Welcoming Week Read Aloud and Citizenship Clinic hosted alongside the Gwinnett County Public Library. For more information on these events, visit GwinnettCounty.com.

The Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center is located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.