City celebrating diversity
Parades are great fun, especially when they are full of colour and music. It’s even better when the parade is combined with a cultural extravaganza.
This year’s Taranaki Multi Ethnic Council’s event takes place on Saturday, March 4 with the parade starting at the clock tower at 10.30am. Participants are encouraged to register before the day and to wear national costume or dress up in whatever themes they desire. They should assemble from 10am in the vicinity of the courthouse lawn and on Devon St to Dawson St. Please contact our parade co-ordinator Hiran, 758 6205, or email hiran@clear.net.nz.
The society owns about 70 Flags for various countries that are available for national groups to walk behind and ensure a colourful spectacle. There will also be monetary prizes for the best in categories.
When the parade is over, those who walked in it should go to the Gover St intersection, where buses will take them to the Pukekura Raceway and the Extravaganza.Floats and vehicular transport must make their own way to the racecourse.
The Extravaganza is timed to start at 11am and entry is a gold coin per person. Organisers advise that people should bring cash because eftpos will be limited.
A full stage and sound will be set up next to the public grandstand so excellent seating and viewing is assured.
The entertainment programme promises a diverse full day, with 10 to 15-minute slots until about 4pm. There will be Irish, African, Greek, Filipino, Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern and Brazilian dancers and entertainers, as well as a Japanese sword act. The committee is expecting confirmations from a further 15 groups.
Please contact our entertainment coordinator Keri at performingcollective@gmail.com if you wish to take part as an act.
There will also be diverse ethnic foods and dishes from many different cultures. Cash will be required for the food. Offerings will be from both commercial and private vendors. Remember to come hungry and inquisitive. The food stall coordinator is Siniva – Tel 022 070 3751 or Email isaia_s@hotmail.com if you wish to take part or inquire.
An arts and crafts selection and offering from more than 20 different vendors will be present under and around the grandstand, together with information stalls and curiosities to add to the diversity of items on display and for sale. There is bound to be something for everyone. Geetha Kutty is the co-ordinator here and can be contacted at gnkutty@xtra.co.nz
Children can enjoy bouncy inflatables and other entertainment.
Refer general inquiries to co-ordinator Anu at akutty285@gmail.com or TMEC President John Konijn at josuko@xtra.co.nz