This Saturday, Chemainus will celebrate multiculturalism with a variety of entertainment, ethnic eats and art.
The fourth annual Arts and Ethnic Fest, organized by the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society, will be held this Saturday (April 28) in the Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre on Willow Street. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Admission is by donation, and food samples range from $1-4.
“It’s a celebration of the diversity that is the Chemainus Valley, with cultural music, dance and great food,” says organizer Shelley Rouse. “Various local restaurants provide a wide array of ethnic taste treats, which we’re really excited about this year because we’ve got some really great restaurants in town. This will be a chance for people to sample what they have.”
Organizers are thrilled about the lineup of entertainers for this year's event. Among the scheduled entertainers are the Saidi Sisters dancers, Deb Pinchbeck, Judy Hogg Celtic Dancers and African dancer Marina.
This year, organizers have added a free lantern-making table. This new feature is being added to the event "to celebrate the immigrants who have come to Canada and make up our beautiful multicultural country that we all call home," says Rouse.
There will also be local artisans showcasing and selling their work.
“This is one of the more most anticipated events to be held in Chemainus,” says Rouse. “There is always a good crowd, and we know this year will be no different."
— Submitted