This summer, the Multicultural Festival is moving outdoors to the Waterfront Park in Pembroke. The event is free to attend and will be held on Saturday, August 20th, starting at 10:30am. Karthi Rajamani, the CEO of the Pembroke Public Library, says they’ve outgrown every location they’ve used over the years.
Rajamani says these types of events are important not only for immigrants like herself, but for the community as a whole.
She says newcomers can sometimes feel left out and events like the Multicultural Festival can make people feel welcome in the community.
She says the day will be filled with live music, cultural dance, ethnic foods and fun for everyone in the family.
After a land acknowledgment to start the day, there will be a seniors dance workshop, live music, a magic show, kite flying, bouncy castles and other activities for different ages. In the afternoon there will be break dancing, African drumming and Rajamani is hoping to have hula-hoop dancing. The evening performances will include Asian dance groups, Columbian dance groups, Bollywood dance groups with other cultures celebrated and recognized in a variety of ways.
Performances will take place in the amphitheater, but restaurants and vendors will be around the Waterfront Park including in the new arboretum site. Rajamani says there will be different food from all over the world to enjoy.
This will be the first community event hosted at the newly developed arboretum in Pembroke’s Waterfront Park. Rajamani says this is a one of a kind event in Renfrew County and she’s inviting everyone to attend.
Rajamani wants to thank all the sponsors who have helped make the Multicultural Event possible. Businesses, volunteers and anyone looking to get involved in this years Multicultural Festival can contact the Pembroke Public Library and speak with Karthi, Simon or Anna. The Pembroke Public Library can be reached by phone at (613) 732-8844 or by email at info@pembrokelibrary.ca
You can learn more and RSVP on the Pembroke Multicultural Festival event page.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)