THUNDER BAY - Folklore Festival is more than just a trip around the world in 48-hours, it’s a celebration of what has made Canada the nation it is today, which is something that should be celebrated now more than ever.
“It is more important this year than it has ever been,” said Jeanetty Jumah, chair of sponsorship and promotion for the Folklore Festival.
“Canada is a strong nation because people have come here from all over the world and we have our First Nation communities and they have built Canada into one of the most respectful and successful countries.”
The annual Folklore Festival promises to be even bigger and better this year, offering up multicultural entertainment, displays, and food.
“The performance schedule, I have more than I ever had in the past,” Jumah said. “We have more entertainers than we’ve ever had.”
Headlining this year’s festival on the main stage on Saturday night is the Thunder Bay Ceili Band, which plays traditional Irish music.
Jumah said they are a great family band that has performed across Canada and the United States.
Another standout performer is Heran Zhao of Thunder Bay, who played the Chinese zither at Carnegie Hall last year.
“That is amazing to have in Thunder Bay,” Jumah said.
The two-day festival will include more than 20 exhibit booths, a children’s play area, performances from dozens of local groups, and 17 food booths, including imported beers and wines.
Last year saw more than 14,000 people come out to the festival and Jumah is expecting no less this year.
“Our numbers are huge. Last year was a really good year,” she said. “If I get over 10,000, I am thrilled, but I don’t ever expect less than 10,000. Our numbers have been over 10,000 since 2005.”
And Jumah believes that it is the coming together of so many people to celebrate so many different cultures that makes Folklore Festival such an important event for the city of Thunder Bay.
“I really believe that watching people come together at Folklore and seeing them standing shoulder to shoulder and admiring the dancing, the entertainment, the food from all over the world, and saying respectful things is what we need more of,” she said.
“We have a country that actually gets a long. We have our problems, every family has its problems, but we offer the best and we are welcoming and that is the way we should be going.”
The Folklore Festival will be held Saturday May 4 from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday May 5 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Fort William Gardens and Curling Club. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, $1 for children four to 12-years-old, and free for children under four.
