Multicultural fair sees ‘surge of interest’

Travel the world with a single stop in Kentville Aug. 25

Get a taste for cultures around the world with a single stop Aug. 25.

Created by Kentville Business Corporation (KBC) in 2015, the third annual Kentville Multicultural Fair is back for the third year in a row, this time adding even more events.

Wendalynn Jones, KBC’S communications and events co-ordinator, says that this year’s set up for the event in Centre Square is the same as last year. The event will still feature performances, an art market, food vendors, a retail market, small events, a children’s corner and information tables. Jones adds that there will be eight new food vendors, nine new retail vendors, five new performances - plus an added Cuban The third annual multicultural fair will be held in Kentville Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be retail and food vendors, live performances and a children’s area. Admission is free.

Street Party with Freddy Mujica.

“There has been such a surge of interest, we are now challenged

as to how to fit everyone in,” says Jones.

The festival is family-friendly, featuring a children’s tent totally designed for having a wonderfully chaotic and happy time, says Jones.

“This year Cori Van Hattem, Miss Nova Scotia International 2018, is looking after things and will be arriving with some awesome activities planned.”

This part of the event has grown to the point that organizers added an additional tent for Liz Fraser, who comes every year with her incredibly popular “Knee High to a Grasshopper Storytelling.”

Carolyn Landry, whose cultural background is Mi’kmaq and French Acadian, is also participating in Kentville’s Multicultural Festival. As at last year’s festival, Landry will help open the day with a native smudge ceremony bringing people together to promote peace and harmony and participate in a morning drumming circle at 10 a.m.

“I believe these fairs are important to promote cultural awareness to break barriers and increase knowledge and respect and to celebrate our differences,” says Landry.

Jones agrees, adding that the fair is an active and vibrant way of supporting and encouraging our own cultural heritage, as well as providing a welcoming space to enjoy the cultures of those who have come to Nova Scotia from very diverse ethnic backgrounds.

The Kentville Multicultural Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 25 in Centre Square. Admission is free.