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A local nonprofit is celebrating culture and uniting the community at the 17th Annual Caribbean Day at the Park.

The  hosted a festival at John Hunt Park Sunday to welcome folks from all different walks of life.

Dane Clarke organized the event. He's the president of CANA and says this festival highlights Caribbean lifestyle, cuisine, and music.

"When it comes to today, you don't think about race, class, color or creed," Clarke said. "Everybody just unites. We're just here to have fun."

Clarke is from Jamaica, but he says the event features dozens of Caribbean cultures. It's an experience folks like Sophya Johnson appreciate.

"´óÏó´«Ã½ is definitely on the map, and just to show the Caribbean islands is actually growing here," Johnson said.

Her Caribbean roots run deep. Johnson's mom is from Jamaica and her dad is from Barbados. She worked a booth with her church and the Pathfinder Organization.

"They're an organization that helps enrich youth," Johnson explained. "So, we raise money for them."

From pre-K to high school, Johnson sold items to fundraise for kids like Nyla, Curtis, Justin and Chris.

"So, we can do more activities, and give money for the shelter, and give food to the homeless, and help the church," the kids said.

Of course, this opportunity to raise money wouldn't be possible without the festival. It's an event Johnson knows is all for one love, and all for one purpose.

"We want them to be good citizens, and so to be good citizens, you have to be educated on everything around here," Johnson explained. "So, you want to expose them to different things, different cultures."

Clarke agrees.

"Stop watching the color of skin, because the blood that flows is all the same color," Clarke said.

If you couldn't make it to Sunday's festival, you can learn more about CANA by visiting their website .

You'll also find details about how to donate to the Pathfinder Organization by clicking .Ìý