The annual Deaf Culture Celebration took place this weekend at the downtown community center, drawing more than two hundred attendees from across the region. The event, organized by local advocates and volunteers, aimed to highlight the vibrancy and diversity of the Deaf community while promoting inclusion and accessibility for all.

Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed a full schedule of performances, workshops, and discussions. The morning began with a welcome ceremony conducted entirely in American Sign Language (ASL), featuring community leaders who spoke about the importance of visibility and empowerment. Following that, participants attended interactive sessions on Deaf history, communication technology, and storytelling through sign. One of the highlights was a live poetry performance, where ASL poets expressed powerful emotions through movement, rhythm, and expression—proving that art transcends sound.

Vendors and organizations set up booths to share resources ranging from interpreting services to educational programs for parents of deaf children. A “silent social” lunch allowed both deaf and hearing participants to practice signing, emphasizing communication beyond words. Many attendees said the atmosphere felt both welcoming and inspiring, showing how collaboration can strengthen community ties.