THUNDER BAY – For the first time in four years, the dancers danced, the singers sang, the food was served and the crowds filled the Fort William Gardens floor, marking the return of the always popular Folklore Festival.
Eager patrons lined up around the building on Saturday, the pent-up demand for a taste of the multicultural diversity Thunder Bay has to offer driving thousands to the south-side of the city for a chance to embrace the global offerings of the two-day event.
Co-organizer Jeanetty Jumah said it was wonderful to see so many people out and about on a rainy weekend afternoon, enjoying the culture and heritage of others, getting to know their neighbours of all different backgrounds.
“Our community has been waiting to come together, to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Canada. We have been waiting for a safe event where families can come out and everyone can appreciate a good time,” Jumah said.
“Folklore is affordable. If you haven’t come out, come on out.”
There’s never been a more important time in the country’s history to celebrate its diversity, Jumah added.
“I think we’ve become very insular. We don’t talk to people quite the same way and we don’t value and respect people. At Folklore, you see we’re all Canadians, we’re all good people and I hope that everyone who is socializing with people here, will actually go out tomorrow and say hello to you and be a little bit more patient with their neighbours down the street,” she said.
“Folklore is about people coming together and valuing who we are.”
Mia Huzan, who performed with the Chaban Ukrainian Dance Group in the Parade of Nations, said it’s important for people of different backgrounds to share their cultures, adding it’s her favourite weekend of the year.
“It’s really nice to see it back in full force and seeing people back after COVID. And it’s nice to celebrate all the different cultures that are in Thunder Bay and kind of take it all in, in one weekend,” Huzan said. “It’s amazing.
“It’s important to celebrate everyone’s culture and learn more about every different culture, be able to pass on those traditions through the generations and inform people about things they didn’t know about before.”
Poonam Arora, who hails from India, also took part in the Parade of Nations, where she showcased Punjabi dance routines that highlighted the traditional role of women in her culture.
“We want to represent India here, because every country was going to be represent their own culture. We believe this is a rich culture and we are representing it to the people so they can enjoy the celebration they way we enjoy it,” Arora said.
Folklore Festival, which includes a food court ranging from Indigenous to Indian and Filipino cuisine, continues on Saturday until 11 p.m. Local favourites The Chain will provide the musical entertainment in the evening. The festival wraps up on Sunday, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
