TIMMINS – An annual celebration of culture, food, and music is back.
This year’s Timmins Multicultural Festival is a two-day event, starting on May 24 with a cultural sharing event, with the parade, food, and festival on May 25.
The Cultural Connection event kicks off the celebrations with community members sharing traditions and stories from their cultures. It’s at the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre from 1-4 p.m.
Presentations will include everything from a PowerPoint show to an origami demonstration.
“It was noted over the years that there’s so much activity happening at the festival itself that people weren’t getting the chance to really learn about all the different cultures in the community,” said Timmins Multicultural Society president Marnie Lapierre. “What better way than to create a setting where you can learn about another’s traditions?”
The food, music, and fun will hit high gear on Sunday at the McIntyre arena, with the parade of nations and performances from local artists like the New Moon Singers, Celtic balladeer Bill Farquhar, and performances from India, the Philippines, and Ukraine.
The TPS pipe band is returning after a hiatus last year, and the Chinese Lion dancers will also return.
“We’re happy to have them both back,” said Lapierre.
There are roughly 25 different nationalities represented at the event, but the multicultural society has 40 different member nationalities represented in the organization.
Doors open at noon on Sunday, and donations will be accepted at the door. All money collected goes into next year’s event.
Organizers are still looking for volunteers and have provided a sign-up link at galaxydigital.co