I had to share a neat community adventure that happened over the weekend. I have the privilege of working with the regional multicultural association and am happy to link their website for your information and the boost to SEO this blockchain provides in the form of backlinks and key words. https://maph.ca

This weekend was to be the 10th anniversary from the first multicultural festival to be held in market square. Turns out the embattled restaurants depend on the outdoor dining space and the Al Fresco movement which takes place largely in this town square. Thus, the MAPH graciously offered to change venues and host the event on the grounds of the Falstaff Family Center which also acts as their HQ.

The Falstaff Center itself is a recently converted school house built in 1929. When communities consolidate schools to save governmental budgets, these buildings generally get flattened and unceremoniously replaced by condos. This one, however was rescued from that faith by Canadian songwriter Loreena Mckinnett https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loreena_McKennitt who has sold over 14-million albums. She is just Loreena to us but we know what she has accomplished over a long and successful career.

The ground of this wonderful family center turned out to be perfect as the new location for the festival. You may see in a few of the shots that the weather was looking seriously ominous. Tents were erected to provide shelter from blazing sun or rain alike. Let us gather on the grounds as a community.

The association brought in 3 international chefs to provide a varied, exotic and nutritious dinner for the attendees who were invited to donate if they were able. It was so nice to see MAPH volunteers and community members transform into the chefs I didn't even know they were. Zafar from the best Fine Indian Restaurant in the region https://rajastratford.ca was there and there was fantastic Butter Chicken to be had!

It was nice to be feasting, visiting, talking to the local MPPs and such but it was also nice to stand back on the hill and take it all in. People driving by and looking at the celebration. People arriving on bike and on foot with camping chairs just to sit and be part. All different skin tones and dress but one community.

We get a special joy watching kids be kids. It seemed amplified that much more as kids literally from across the globe frolicked and had fun proving that those barriers need not exist. My little ones were tickled by the curiosity and genuine glee that seemed to spill from these little souls.

The music was also international in flavour with this latin trio joyfully belting out traditional tunes.

There was even a duo with a french lady and they performed a wide variety of Canadian and international eclectic and folk songs.

When it was time for MAPH President Geeza to address the gathering and thank them for attending, it was also used to welcome all of the newcomers to the region and the community who supports the work of the Multicultural Association.

The most impactful moment of the afternoon, for me, was when Loreena was asked to say a couple words. She said she prefers to not be referred to as the owner of the property, but steward of the land. She welcomed all and proclaimed that the newcomers should not only feel welcome there, but that this was their home. As much as it was hers and the home of the MAPH.

The food was fantastic. The music was lively and engaging. The people were beautiful and the weather stayed warm and dry despite threatening clouds all afternoon. What a magical day for the community.

I am so glad to have the multicultural association as part of the adventure I have discovered in this small town. I hope you enjoy these types of stories and actually would love to hear some of yours when it comes to inclusion