There's meaning in the date: 3/21.
In 2006, March 21 was named World Down Syndrome Day in an effort to raise awareness and celebrate inclusion of people with trisomy 21. Most people have two copies of the 21st chromosome; folks with Down syndrome have a partial or full third copy.
This year, Dallas Vietnamese restaurant Sandwich Hag is bringing the party local.
On Wednesday, the shop --which specializes in Bánh Mì sandwiches -- will host a dance party from 6 to 8 p.m. on the patio. Admission and parking are free; guests should bring money for food and vendors.
Attendees are encouraged to wear blue and yellow -- Down syndrome awareness colors -- or to dress up in costumes and wigs, if they like. The event is in partnership with local nonprofit All Hands Art Project and artistic architecture firm parmadesign.
Vendors will showcase art and other items for sale, including teas and coffees from Holland's Brew House and cupcakes from Unrefined Bakery. Collin County wine seller Scout and Cellar will raffle off a wine tasting and local blogger Rick Smith -- whose website Noah's Dad offers resources, information and connection for parents of children with Down syndrome -- will have #provethemwrong t-shirts for sale.
"We want to join the world in honoring, celebrating and bringing awareness/inclusion to our Down Syndrome CommUnity," Sandwich Hag founder and executive chef Reye Duong said in an email.
Duong's brother Sugar Sang has both awesome dance skills and Down syndrome. The Dallas Observer recently profiled the pair, who have been leading the way to increased inclusiveness for workers with cognitive differences.
You'll see Sang working hard at Sandwich Hag and documenting the fun he has there on social media.
Sandwich Hag opened in mid-2017 on S. Lamar in Dallas. It features all outdoor seating, and food is ordered at a walk-up window. Recipes are inspired by Duong's mother's traditional style, which focused on perfection. In other words: No substitutions or modifications.
Duong has also placed high priority on beautifying her building with murals.
One painted by Dublin, Ireland, artist Katherine Rupit is named "CommUnity" and is "dedicated to the Cedars neighborhood," she wrote.
Fostering local bonds and a culture of diversity means a lot to Sandwich Hag, which recently hosted an elaborate pop-up market for Lunar New Year featuring fellow Asian specialty restaurants and entertainment by Rising Phoenix Lion Dancers.
Duong is hopeful this week's dance party will have a similar effect; she calls it the "first," anticipating it will be an annual event.
In her email, she noted that everyone is welcome, whether or not they are already personally connected to someone with Down syndrome.