Hamtramck is working to create a sense of community pride and enjoyment through fun events that bring the diverse community of Hamtramck together. With over 35 languages spoken in Hamtramck schools, and a mysterious patchwork of symbols and languages emblazoned on the signs and windows of stores in the wonderfully eclectic downtown, the rich cultural diversity is hard to miss. The Hamtramck International Bazaar is a celebration of this diversity.

The Hamtramck International Bazaar began life as a Farmer’s Market in 2007. Although the market was appreciated by the community a local committee decided they could attract a more diverse group of shoppers by calling it an International Bazaar and expanding the options.

The Bazaar was held monthly on Saturdays May through September with the “Hamtramck World’s Fair” as the grand finale in November at People’s Community Services, a local nonprofit. The community embraced the event; volunteers translated the Fair information on flyers and banners and spread them throughout the community to advertise the event.

With each Bazaar, the number and variety of shoppers and sellers increased. They offered a varied assortment of merchandise for sale but also provided a wide array of cultural artifacts from a variety of groups including the African- American, Arab Chaldean, Muslim, Bosnian, Polish, and Bangladesh communities as well as the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, and the Hamtramck Historical Society.

The subcommittee added a recycling component to the Bazaar with a recycling trailer and recycling bins which proved to be so popular that the city is working on developing a year-round recycling program. In the interim during the winter months, the city has agreed to locate recycling containers at the residences of senior citizens in Hamtramck.

Tom Cervenak, executive director of People’s Community Services worked directly with the community to organize the World’s Fair event. Performances entertained the crowd and included; African-American poetry readings, Bangladesh poetry and music, and Polish dancers. The University of Michigan, Detroit Initiative worked with People’s Community Services to develop a photo voice workshop asking participants from different age groups to take photos of their every day experiences and share thoughts about living in Hamtramck. Matt Winn (former MSHDA AmeriCorps Intern) created an historical film called Faces of Hamtramck that was shown during the day. He interviewed people of all ages and backgrounds about their thoughts and experiences on Hamtramck’s history and future.

The Hamtramck World’s Fair offered up many entertaining events for the community while showcasing its diverse culture and pride. Several visitors commented on how excited they were to see the changes going on in Hamtramck and the catalyst that Cities of Promise is providing to implement improvement in the community.