The heat and the threat of rain did nothing to discourage people from coming out for the 11th annual Huron Multicultural Festival on the Square in Goderich yesterday.
Huron County Immigration Partnership Manager Mark Nonkes says by mid-afternoon they had about 500 people on the courthouse park and he estimated they would have over 1,000 people later in the afternoon.
"The performers come from cities like Kitchener, from Toronto," he said. "We've got recognized Canadian talent here today so people who have released CD's and performed all over the country and in other countries as well."
Nonkes says the performers covered a range of music and dance from reggae dancers, a Mediterranean band, and artists that represent cultures from around the world.
Nonkes also suggests that most people would be very surprised by the cultures that are represented in Huron County.
"We've got people from all over the world living in our community and it's really important that we recognize that we have a diverse population," he said. "We've got over 52 languages spoken in this area of the world and often that's not the first thought on people's minds."
Festival-goers also explored the global food court for tasty samples, searched through an international marketplace for arts and crafts, enjoyed a variety of children’s activities, heard stories from a First Nations storyteller/flautist and learned African drumming.
Nonkes says they really appreciate the enthusiasm of the people that come out each to year to be part of the Multicultural Festival and they do their best to meet their expectations.
