CENTRE WELLINGTON – Elora and Fergus were recently recognized for being among the top participating communities in this year’s Culture Days festival.
The communities together ranked fifth overall nationwide – and first among towns and rural areas – boasting over 90 events organized.
The Township of Centre Wellington partnered with the Elora Fergus Arts Council for this year’s Culture Days event, which ran from Sept. 22 to Oct. 15 offering free events to the community.
“This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our partner, the Elora Fergus Arts Council, as well as the many artists, facilitators, performers and volunteers who planned and presented the events for the community to participate in,” said Paula Sealey, Centre Wellington’s community development coordinator.
“All of the events were truly remarkable, and they exemplified the community’s passion for arts and culture in this region. I’m just proud to be a part of it.”
Some of the events this year included the studio tour, Elora farmer’s market and the Kitchen in the Park project.
“Honestly, with over 90 events, it is difficult to mention them all, but each one of them truly does deserve the recognition for what we achieved as a community,” said Sealey.
Culture Days had more than 3,000 events take place in over 300 communities across Canada. They were presented by 1,275 organizers and delivered in 50 languages.
“I would say culturally rich experiences that were added that set us apart were, Dalton Associates had a great event that happened on Sept. 30 during National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, which I attended and it was fantastic to see and listen,” said Sealey.
Sept. 30 featured dedicated Truth and Reconciliation programming with more than 130 events honouring the histories and creative expressions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures and communities.
“It’s heartwarming to witness how Culture Days can guide community members towards uncovering hidden gems right in their own backyard,” stated an Ontario Culture Days press release.
Culture Days will return once again – Sept. 20 to Oct. 13, 2024 – for its 15th anniversary.
“I’m honoured to be a part of this amazing cultural initiative in the community and I’m just looking forward to celebrating arts and culture in Centre Wellington further,” Sealey stated.
“And again, the recognition for this achievement, it really should go to all the artists, performers, facilitators and volunteers that made this successful.”
