Pickering’s first Cultural Fusion Festival August 20-21

What is Pickering if not a melting pot of cultures, a cultural fusion if you will? And in ten days the City will get to celebrate that multicultural aspect of the community with their first Cultural Fusion Fair.

The two-day event will take place August 20 and 21 in Esplanade Park. The event will be funded in part by a $51,800 grant from the Province.

Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan thanked the Ontario government for their contribution, which will allow for the hiring of local musical and dance performers representing diverse cultural communities, provide hands-on demonstrations of various cultural practices found in Canada, and expanding event infrastructure to increase participation of local cultural and community groups in the event.

“Like no other celebration, Pickering’s Cultural Fusion Fair is the embodiment of our community and encourages cultural expression through a vibrant and dynamic array of dance, music, food, and storytelling.”

The festival will have participation from groups such as Canadian Coptic Foundation, African Canadian Cultural Council Foundation, Durham Tamil Association, Indo-Canadian Cultural Association of Durham Inc., West Indian Dance Centre, Zahra’s School, and Friends Indeed Canada.

Event-goers will enjoy performances by El Ceibo  (Argentina Folk); Shivanjali Arts (Indian Classic Dance); Pablo Terry and Sol de Cuba (Cuban Band); Zahra’s School of Middle Eastern Dance (Middle Eastern Dance); Yiasmas Music Group (Greek Dance Duo); and Hawaiian Pacific Magic (Hawaiian Dancers).

Also on the agenda will be The Soulmates (Malcom Edwards); Bollywood Dances; Mariachi Tequila; West Indian Fusion Dance Center; Destiny Entertainment; a Cultural Fashion Show and more.

There will also be plenty of good eats, from vendors like Mr. Kettle Corn, Bang Bank Korean Crunch, Food from the East, Lemon Heaven and Hog Father, with organizers looking to add additional vendors as well.

A Vendor’s Market will be available and activities for the whole family will include:

• Story time with Pickering Public Library
• Traditional Indian Games with IIT Alumni Canada
• Yoga and Parai Drumming Demonstrations with Durham Tamil Association
• Henna & How-To drape a Sari with Durham Tamil Association
• Pakistani Cultural Display and Photobooth with Friends Indeed Canada, Pakistani Cultural Society of Durham

Visit pickering.ca/culturalfusion for details on the Cultural Fusion Fair.