The Town of Preeceville hosted a culture day with many community members showcasing the many cultures in and around the community.
The event was held on September 28 when students from the Preeceville School along with the public were all invited to participate.
“The event involved many different cultures showcased in a mini folk festival setting and was a huge success" said Andrea Tonn, Town of Preeceville recreation director. "It was a great way to find out about the different cultures that we have and have had in our community.”
There were many cultural and art displays which were enhanced by a variety of entertainment, Tonn said. There were items available for sale during the lunch and supper hours. The event was free of charge for participants to take advantage and experience the many cultures.
Tonn gave an official welcome and encouraged different individuals to welcome people in their own language.
The Irish table featured displays that centred on the country, traditions and culture. Traditional Irish stew was served with soda bread and a slice of orange or chocolate Guinness cake. Miles and Anna Russell, along with local volunteers manned the table.
The Preeceville Heritage Museum hosted a perogy-and-sausage lunch and provided artifacts on Ukrainian culture.
The Scandinavian culture featured displays and books.
The Aboriginal culture was showcased through storytelling and traditional dance from the Keeseekoose band members. There were samples of bannock and homemade jams and jellies to try. Delma Seaton made the bannock for sampling. Aboriginal singing, dancing and drum playing were demonstrated. Diane Musqua explained the Aboriginal costumes and drumming. Hein Bertram gave a ham radio demonstration.
Doreen Bochnuik gave a demonstration of making decorating Easter eggs in the traditional Ukrainian culture. School students and adults appeared to enjoy trying their hand at decorating eggs.
Russell Worobetz and Karolyn Kosheluk provided some story telling.
The East India culture displayed many items from its culture.
Filipino food was made available for lunch.
There were numerous interactive workshops that featured instructions on how to make perogies, jam, Filipino spring rolls, bannock, quilting, beading and decorating Ukrainian Easter eggs.
Children enjoyed the opportunity to paint a Halloween picture.
The Filipino Sari-Sari store featured a variety of Asian food for sale.
South Africa was represented through a visual display of art and offered samples.
Entertainment was provided by Aboriginal singing, drumming and dancing, and Willie and Company. Pastor Hein Bertram played the accordion. Gagnon Deep Kaur gave a demonstration in Indian Bhangra dancing and Jillian Newton performed a flute solo. Other entertainment was provided by Studio Dance One and the Barveenok Dance Club. Filipino dancers and youth singers also performed.
Culture days raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their community, said information from organizers. With the support of volunteer groups cultural days take place in hundreds of cities and towns throughout the country over the last weekend of September each year.
