THUNDER BAY — For the first time since 2019, the Thunder Bay Folklore Festival will be an in-person event.
"Forget the snow and all the horrible weather we've had. We are going to take you around the world in food ... It is amazing to be back," said coordinator Jeanetty Jumah.
COVID-19 forced the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association to hold a virtual celebration of the city's cultural heritage in 2020, 2021 and and 2022.
This year happens to be the 50th anniversary of the festival.
At the Fort William Gardens and Curling Club, the doors will be open Saturday from noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
Jumah described the festival as "the most thrilling experience ever."
Attendees will be able to enjoy international foods, imported wines and beers, a variety of entertainment, "shop-the-world" booths, exhibits, the work of local artists and a children's area where all activities are free daily from noon to 6 pm.
"We are having food booths come out in droves," Jumah said in an interview Wednesday.
"We have Cajun Fuzion, we have Louisiana cooking, we have new things happening. The entertainment list is packed and we have new entertainers, such as the African Choir, which is a warm, wonderful group of very-young-to-senior people and they will be on the stage. And the exhibit area is full. It's just amazing."
She also highlighted the Saturday night schedule that includes featured entertainers The Chain, a group that has performed at the Thunder Bays Blues Festival in the past.
Jumah credited the efforts of volunteers who have been busy preparing for a weekend, noting that many groups have found it difficult lately to get enough volunteers, and that she's proud of the way the community has come out to support the return of an in-person festival.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children, $1 for kids ages four to 12, and free for children three years old and younger
Jumah pointed out that these prices are unchanged from the last in-person festival, four years ago.
The festival has attracted upwards of 14,000 people in the past.
More information is available on the festival's Facebook page.
