The Thunder Bay Multicultural
Association
presents
A WORLD TOUR OF NATIONS
Adults $5, Seniors/Students $3, Children 4-12 $1,
Under 4 FREE
“Travel the World in 48 Hours” at the 50th
Anniversary Folklore Festival 2023, May 6th and May 7th at the Fort William
Gardens and Curling Club in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada presented by the
Thunder Bay Multicultural Association. Tantalizing international foods,
incredible entertainment, “shop-the-world” booths, exhibits, an activity-packed
Children’s Area, and local artists on site await you. The Region’s most
colourful event of the year will take visitors on a “Trip Around the World” in
two fun-filled days allowing them to experience the magnificent sights, sounds
and flavours woven into the fabric of our country by our various ethnocultural
and Indigenous communities. We are proud to
celebrate our 50th Anniversary Folklore Festival and the rich
cultural heritages that make Canada one of the greatest and most diverse
nations on our planet.
The Festival showcases the rich cultural
heritage of Thunder Bay. More than 20 regions of the world are represented by
no less than 40 different ethnocultural and Indigenous groups. Arriving
visitors are greeted by Goodwill Ambassadors in traditional costumes and the
majestic fanfare of flags of the World waving above the arena, leading to our
Folklore Festival Main Stage, the largest in Thunder Bay, where culture and
traditions will be brought to life in full and intricate colour and excitement. In the hours and days that follow, many
hearts will be stolen during performances by junior groups like the little Le
Stelle Alpine Italian Dancers, and Morgan’s School of Highland Dancing. The
richness of our First Nations people will be shared with visitors through
impressive and meaningful dances. You are sure to feel the rejuvenation of your
own youth as you enjoy presentations by the Chaban, and Zorya Ukrainian Dance
companies. The Filipino Canadian Association of Thunder Bay will bring the
lively Tinikling dance, and the Kiikurit Finnish Folk Dancers will enchant
visitors. The Thunder Bay World Dance Collective will bring the Flamenco and
Bollywood. You will marvel at the resounding sounds of The Macgillivray Pipe
Band and the hot salsa dancing with Karim Y Nady. Let us will take you on a
journey around the world and these are only SOME of the incredible entertainers
who will grace the Festival Stage.
Displays and exhibits circle the stage and
surrounding areas allowing visitors to “shop the World” and see traditions come
alive as they view costumes, artifacts, video displays, visual artists on site,
and meet the people who proudly share Canada’s heritages. Local artists will
share their works of art, and exhibitors will have treasures from many parts of
the World for visitors to purchase and take home. Children can enjoy the
activity-packed Children’s Area featuring all FREE activities (running 12 to
6pm Daily) including facepainting and a free Children’s Inflatable (AKA Bouncy
Castle) courtesy of Tbaytel.
Tantalizing aromas call visitors to the Curling Club
where the temptations of Indian curries, Slovak cabbage rolls, and new this
year, Cajun Fuzion’s Jambalaya wait you. Feast on Syrian, and Mediterranean
foods. Try Burmese and Thai cuisine, just a few of the many culinary delights
visitors can savour in the Food Booth area, and traditional favourites from The
Aboriginal Arts & Heritage of Thunder Bay (The Bannock Lady). Club Cappuccino brings you delicious Italian
desserts peaches, cannoli and more. All this can be topped off with a glass of
imported wine, a Red Stripe beer, an Espresso, or a host of international
favourites. There is just time enough to gather together your exotic feast
before heading back to the main stage area to experience the amazing leaps of
the Ukrainian dance ensembles, the incredible talents of entertainers of all
ages and the wonder that is Folklore Festival.
Our Feature Entertainers, “The Chain” with
powerhouse singer Chrissy Klaas, will take us on a Sizzling Journey across
North America bringing Blues, Soul, and Rock to the Folklore Festival 2023 on
the Main Stage Saturday May 6th
from 7:30pm-10:30pm. Visitors are
invited to listen, dance, and ENJOY! Let
the party begin! Why not try International Foods, Wines, and Beers in
the Food Court for the best prices in town (the Food Court with International
Beers and Wines is open until 11pm on Saturday). Grab your food and head back
to the Main Arena for an “International Party”!
Win
a Stay-Cation Courtesy of the Delta Hotels by Marriott, Thunder Bay, a Free
Draw but conditions apply.
Canada’s wealth lies in our rich cultural diversity. The traditions, the dances, the songs, the foods have made the Canadian mosaic a treasure, which will long endure. The Thunder Bay Multicultural Association warmly and proudly invites everyone to be part of this Annual Canadian multicultural celebration.
Festival hours are Saturday, 12 noon to 11
pm and Sunday 12 noon to 7 pm. The Festival is fully accessible. Our website operates year-round promoting the Festival and our
Sponsors. Opening Ceremonies for our 50th Anniversary Folklore
Festival, with our “Parade of Nations”,
dignitaries, the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association Board of
Directors, and Sponsors, will be held at 2 pm Saturday May 6th on the Main
Stage.
More than 1,000 volunteers assist in planning, and preparing the site decorations, stage, food and exhibit booths, the Children’s Area, promotion, and organization and performing at Folklore. Because of these special people, Festival visitors have the unique opportunity to experience this exquisite multicultural mosaic, the largest presentation in our Region.