Kwanzaa festivities abound

Several Triangle organizations are sponsoring free, public celebrations as part of the week-long Kwanzaa holiday that starts today.

DURHAM

HAYTI HERITAGE CENTER: St. Joseph's Historic Foundation will celebrate each day of Kwanzaa at the Hayti Heritage Center.

Each evening's program, starting today, begins at 7:30 p.m. with a traditional candle-lighting ceremony. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and several vendors are participating in an African market. On the final day, Jan. 1, doors open at noon. For a schedule of programs, see www.hayti.org.

W.D. HILL RECREATION CENTER: Celebration at the center from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, 1308 Fayetteville St. Events include basketball, a community forum, dance performances, a community dinner, board games and a marketplace. Information, 560-4292.

CARY

Celebration from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Herb Young Community Center.

The event will feature guest speaker Bernard Alonzo Bowen Sr., a standout athlete in basketball, football and baseball. Entertainment includes African drummers, storytellers, models from European Modeling & Fashion Institute, music, comedy and dance. Details at www.townofcary.org.

SMITHFIELD

Celebration at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Family Life Center, 909 E. Lee St.

The event, sponsored by the National Association of University Women, will include food, crafts, vendors and entertainment.

African attire requested but not required. For information, call Dennis Holmes at 989-9441.