JOHN JO TOMLEY/THE POST   

      A bright, sunshiny day was one of the main features of the Ridge's annual Unity and Diversity festival Sunday afternoon.
      "Whoever was in charge, of the weather did a great job," said Dan Johnson, president of the Paradise Center for Tolerance and Nonviolence, which hosted the festival. "I see a lot of new faces and volunteers."
      Johnson said he was pleased the festival seemed to draw more people this year than previous years and attributed attendance to a growing awareness of individuality and desire for peace as well as the great weather.

      Johnson, along with a few friends, sang some Spanish folk songs for the audience as about a dozen children paraded in a circle shaking handmade noisemakers.
      The afternoon's entertainment also included the Noble Souls Youth Dance Group, Chico Hula Club, Diallo Kunde African Drummers, Chico Havurah Singers, Irish Step Dancer and the Los Cinco Paraiso Cantatriz Mexican Singers.
      Children entertained themselves in a bounce house while attendees took part in several arts and crafts activities and enjoyed the entertainment.
      Sitting in a lawn chair enjoying the entertainment, Stephen Diggs of Magalia said. the festival is a perfect way to dispel the image the Ridge has

of being prejudiced.
      Diggs said his favorite part of the festival was just the general al good-feeling of the day, as well as the goals the center is working toward.
      "This is fabulous," Diggs said. "The spirit, the attitude... I really appreciate it. The idea of peaceful cooperation isn't as popular as it used to be and it needs to be revitalized as often as possible."
      He said though progressive ideas aren't as popular, they need to be expressed over and over again to maintain their power and catch on.
      Terry Curtis of Magalia also enjoyed the festival and thought the event gave the Ridge a much-needed change in attitude.
      "It gives depth and dimension to a town that has a reputation for being prejudiced," Curtis said.
      Curtis said she encourages everyone to get involved and explore different ways of thinking as well as different cultures.
      Town Mayor Scott Lotter was there and said his favorite part were the guest speakers, his parents, Will and Jane Lotter.
      Overall, Mayor Lotter said the festival was a success and the synergy of the beautiful day; the entertainment and the feeling of cooperation and respect all helped make the event successful. Lotter's dad, Will Lotter, said he and Jane