For new immigrants and lifelong residents alike, this year's multicultural festival in New Westminster will be a chance to check out traditions and cuisines from around the world.
The 10th annual festival, presented by the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association, will be held Saturday, May 19 from noon to 6 p.m. at the River Market.
Food, dances, music, ethnic dress and arts will be shared at this family-friendly event, with about 30 groups presenting a variety of cultures.
"We do have a lot of new immigrants come to the festival," said Kendra Johnston, executive director of the BIA. "It's a great place to connect with everyone in the community."
Over the last decade the festival has grown from just a few vendors to become a well-anticipated date on the New Westminster community calendar.
"I was here for the first multicultural festival, and it was just a small event," said Johnston. "It was really only a few groups getting together and maybe a couple thousand people came, and it's definitely grown over the years. People look forward to it every year."
Last year, despite the rain, about 15,000 people turned out for the fun, and this year about 20,000 are expected.
New for this year will be an art show in the River Market building and more interactive presentations, with activities like dance lessons and a mask workshop for kids.
As well, Aboriginal Tourism B.C. is considering hosting an activity, which may be on the river, Johnston said.
The multicultural festival is free to the public, and there will be food and merchant vendors representing the various cultural groups in town, with a welcoming ceremony at 2 p.m.
All activities, shows and vendors will be on the boardwalk between the Fraser River Discovery Centre and the River Market.
A film festival and children's activities will also be offered at the Fraser River Discovery Centre.
For more information, visit www. downtownnewwest.ca.
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