Huron County, Ontario – The Huron Multicultural Festival returns to Courthouse Park in Goderich on Sunday, June 25, and everyone is welcome to enjoy this free outdoor family-friendly festival that celebrates the customs and traditions of Canada’s diverse populations.
This year’s festival includes an exciting stage show of music and dance from around the world! Event organizers are pleased to welcome Todd Torresan, from the Oneida Nation of the Thames Standing Stone Turtle Clan, who will lead the opening ceremonies starting a 12 p.m. Performances to follow include Cracovia, a Polish Folk Dance Ensemble from London, ON and Peruvian Roots, a proud and passionate group who strive to share a little bit of Peru with Canadians. eKhaya merges Afro Jazz, Afro-beat, rhythm and blues, rock, and rock reggae for sounds that are both old and new while Light of the East Ensemble is welcomed back to share the mesmerizing and timeless rhythms and beautiful melodies of the Middle East combining a touch of Classical, Jazz, Celtic, and Folk for a unique and worldly sound.
There’s more to enjoy when the Ventanas take to the stage as their work is reimagined Mediterranean melodies with fiery flamenco moves while Dumai Dunai bring an eclectic sound with deep grooves of dub and the energy of punk rock to ancient Slavic singing styles and the euphoric fury of Balkan wedding brass bands.
Festival-goers can also explore the global food court for tasty samples, search through an international marketplace for arts and crafts, enjoy a variety of children’s activities, hear stories from a First Nations storyteller/flautist or learn African drumming. A licensed beer garden will also be onsite.
“The Huron Multicultural Festival provides a great opportunity to break barriers and support the ever-growing diversity of newcomers finding their homes in our community,” said Huron County Cultural Development Officer, Karen Stewart. “By sharing experiences and telling stories, we create a deeper understanding and shift attitudes to greater tolerance for more productive and happy lives.”
The Huron Multicultural Festival will be held on the Square, in Goderich, Sunday June 25 from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m. The Festival is co-produced by Huron County Cultural Services and the Huron Arts & Heritage Network, with the support of the Local Immigration Partnership, the Town of Goderich, Capital Power, McDonalds and the Government of Canada. Visit www.huroncounty.ca/cultural-services/huron-multicultural-festival/ for more information.