Friday afternoon, Catholic Social Services’ Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services hosted its annual World Refugee Day event at Mountain View Lions Park.

Dozens of families crowded the basketball court and gathered under the pavilion. There were speeches by local leaders and politicians, awards, music and dance performances.

Anchorage is home to people from every corner of the world: RAIS has welcomed men and women and children from Sudan, Iraq, Somalia, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Ethiopia and beyond. Friday, they came together at Lions Park.

The theme — “One Alaska, many traditions.”

Burmese dancing at a World Refugee Day event at Mountain View Lions Park, June 19.

Ali H., Ismail Hussein and Ahmed Abdi Awol at a World Refugee Day event at Mountain View Lions Park, June 19.

Anchorage Municipal Ombudsman Darrel Hess at a World Refugee Day event at a Mountain View Lions Park, June 19.

Shelly Paw at a World Refugee Day event at Mountain View Lions Park, June 19.

The White Cloud Dancers: De Xiong, Ka Sia Xiong, Gao Cia Xiong and Qaze Xiong

Anchorage Mayor-elect Ethan Berkowitz and his wife, Mara Kimmel.

The White Cloud Dancers perform at a World Refugee Day event at Mountain View Lions Park, June 19.

Mai Xiong and Pasert Lee, president of the Hmong Alaska Community, Inc.

Dinner served at a World Refugee Day event at Mountain View Lions Park, June 19.