ABOYNE – Planning for Wellington County’s second annual Multicultural Festival is underway, and applications are open for performers, exhibitors and food vendors.
The festival will take place on July 13 at the Wellington County Museum and Archives, from 11am to 4pm.
Event organizer and Wellington County economic development project coordinator Anuradha Dam told the Advertiser she is excited to welcome a diverse range of entertainers and performers, service providers and food vendors offering a variety of local and global culinary cuisines.
They also welcome individuals and groups with interactive displays that engage and educate attendees, she added, and “local organizations contributing to the community’s well-being and engagement.
“We are currently unable to accommodate vendors selling products and services,” Dam noted, “but we are open to exploring opportunities for a broader range of vendors in the future.”
The performers could include musicians, dancers, singers, bands, comedians, choirs, children’s entertainers and people leading games, Dam said.
“Anyone out there that has a unique performance that celebrates cultural diversity – we would love to hear from them.”
“The Wellington County Multicultural Festival is a testament to the strength that diversity brings to our communities,” stated Wellington County councillor Jeff Duncan in a press release.
“Last year’s festival was an incredibly vibrant and welcoming event and we are excited to, once again, invite our communities to help us showcase the rich cultural tapestry that makes up Wellington County.”
Last year the event took place in late September, but organizers opted to make it earlier this year.
“We found that having it during the summer would engage more attendees,” Dam said.
About 1,300 people attended the festival last year, and Dam said organizers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year.
The Kween Company took to the stage to perform Caribbean Soca dance at the 2023 festival. Advertiser file photo
“We want to strengthen existing community connections established last year but also forge new relationships,” she said.
Dam said they plan to expand the space of the festival by moving inside the museum and barn as well as setting up on the museum’s front lawn.
“Every possible space that can be included we are hoping to include,” she said, to allow for as many exhibitors and food vendors as possible.
The cultures celebrated at the festival last year include Scottish, Chinese, Caribbean, Indian, Syrian and Ukrainian.
This year, Dam hopes there will be also be representatives from Dutch, German, Portuguese, Greek and Italian cultures, as well as “any of the new communities moving into the county.”
While people based outside of Wellington County are welcome to apply to participate as performers, exhibitors or vendors, Dam said the selection criteria will prioritize county residents, along with diversity, cultural representation, and unique contributions.
“We aim to create an inclusive experience for all, celebrating both long term residents and newer communities,” Dam said.
To apply to participate in the festival as a performer, exhibitor or food vendor visit wellington.ca/multiculturalfestival and submit the application before March 31.
