HALLOWELL — The first International Potluck for Peace will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at Hallowell City Hall Auditorium, 1 Winthrop St.

This community event is offered by Friends of Holidays in Hallowell in the spirit of the Hallowell Area Board of Trade’s 2016 decision to celebrate holidays and traditional food and music of importance to all area residents, including long time residents and newcomers.

The organizers believe that sharing food and music of different cultures, countries, religious traditions, geographic regions and ethnic groups will be a way to meet and get to know more neighbors, new and old. Friends sees this as working for peace by starting at the very local level and a way for all people to be the needed change in the world.

This is a potluck meal, with food, music and poetry provided by participants. All ages are welcome.

All are invited to bring food, music, and/or a poem to share. People for whom preparing a dish or performing is not comfortable, are welcome and encouraged, but not required, to bring a donation of nonperishable food or money for the Hallowell Food Bank. Those who wish to bring a dish to share are asked to bring a piece of paper stating the name of the dish, culture, country, holiday etc. of origin, if applicable, and reason for sharing it. People do not need to bring anything to attend.

Those interested in helping with the event can help publicize this event by inviting friends and others who might enjoy and appreciate this kind of event. People can sign up online to bring food, share music, a poem ; and/or volunteer to help as a greeter or to help with set up or clean up. Email internationalpotluck1@gmail.com with questions or to sign up. To sign up to bring a food dish, use the email or call Stephanie Martyak at 621- 2444; questions regarding accommodations for specific disabilities, use the email or call Jane Moore at 831- 3472. To sign up for sharing a musical offering, poem or public service announcement about available area resources and similar activities, use the email or call Bill Moseley at480-0097.