LA CROSSE, Wis.- People of all different backgrounds are gathering at Riverside Park for the first annual People Fest.

The Compassionate Community Faith Alliance is launching a new event to bring people together to learn about different cultures in the La Crosse Community.

“We’ve been working on this for a while,” said Maureen Freedland, vice president of CCFA.

It’s a new event geared to welcome everyone to come together and learn.

“For a long time our community has been talking about having a multicultural event,” said John David, director of CCFA. “It’s a positive first step to becoming a more welcoming and inclusive community.”

He said they are trying to create a positive environment.

“Not being political in any way or pressing any agenda other than just being a more inclusive community,” David said.

Tony Yang, board member of the La Crosse Hmong Culture and Community Agency, said it’s good people can step out of their comfort zone and educate themselves about someone who is different.

“Just really enjoy each other’s culture, enjoy each other’s company and just get connected with other people,” Yang said.

David said communities need to treat each other as equals.

“There’s the Jewish mandate where you need to welcome the alien among you and treat them the same way as you do the citizen, and in the Christian scriptures it’s welcome the stranger,” David said.

Hongying Xu of the La Crosse Area Chinese Association said once you get to know someone, everything changes.

“I have people stopping by and saying, ‘I didn’t even know there was a Chinese community here in town.’ I think this gives everybody a good opportunity to learn about each other’s culture,” Xu said.

Yang said it creates a more relaxed environment.

“I think the more you learn about other cultures, the more you feel comfortable talking to them,” Yang said.

They are hopeful to continue the message at  this event for years to come.

“We’ll be back next year,” Yang said.