FOLKLORE FESTIVAL 2012

A WORLD TOUR OF NATIONS

www.folklorefestival.ca

Once again, the largest and most colourful event of the year, Folklore Festival, will be presented Saturday, May 5th and Sunday, May 6th, 2012 in Thunder Bay. Coordinated by the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association and the Folklore Festival Committee, this 39^th Annual Folklore Festival will take visitors on a trip Around the World in two fun-filled days allowing visitors to experience the magnificent sights, sounds and flavours which the various ethnocultural communities bring to our country.

The Festival showcases the diverse cultural heritage of Thunder Bay. More than 20 regions of the world are represented by no less than 40 different ethnocultural 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. Imagine the spectacle as the Thunder Bay Chinese-Canadian Association opens the Festival with its traditional Lion Dance. 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 the Scottish dancers. The richness of our First Nations people will be experienced as the Northern Woodland Ojibway Drum & Dance Group takes the stage. You are sure to feel the rejuvenation of your own youth as you enjoy the presentations by the Chaban, and Zorya Ukrainian Dance companies, Celtic Rhythms Irish Dancers, and the Filipino performers. You will be dancing in your seats and, perhaps, in the aisles to the fabulous Pelmanni Orchestra. The beauty of the Tai Chi Sword Dancers, Russian performers, Middle Eastern Belly Dancers, and the Kiikurit Finnish Folk Dancers will enchant visitors. This year once again brings the resounding music of the Pipes and Drums of Thunder Bay, and new to the Festival stage--“Takafumi Taiko”, traditional Japanese Drummers. The World Dance Centre will take us on a dancing journey around the world and these are only SOME of the incredible entertainers who will grace the Festival Stage.

The Children’s Area packed with free activities and crafts. Passport to the World is back along with the always busy inflatable for children to bounce on.

Displays and exhibits circle the stage and surrounding areas allowing visitors to see traditions come alive as they view costumes, artifacts, prized possessions, video displays, visual artists working on site, and meet the people who proudly share Canada’s heritages. Many local artists including Kevin Belmore, Donna Heisholt, Greg Zelinski will share their works of art, and exhibitors will have treasures from India, Ecuador and beyond for visitors to purchase and take home.

Tantalizing aromas call visitors to the Curling Club where the temptations of Caribbean Jerk chicken, Greek slovaki, Polish cabbages rolls, Filipino shiskabab, Chinese or Thai cuisine, and rich pastries are just a few of the many culinary delights visitors can savor in the Food Booth area. Enjoy traditional favourites from The Aboriginal Arts & Heritage of Thunder Bay and India Canada or visit the Lebanese Food Booth. Top this off with a glass of imported Italian 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.

Enter the free Draw for a “Trip for 2 anywhere Porter flies” courtesy of our Sponsor, Porter Airlines.

Saturday night brings you the Hot Band, “Ti Amo”, our Feature Entertainers from 7:30—10:30pm. Playing a wide range of music from Italian favourites to popular hits and dance music, “Ti Amo" will have you dancing the night away! You can also enjoy international “Dinner and Dancing” at the best prices in town (the Food Court with International Beers and Wines is open until 11pm).

Canada’s wealth lies in the richness which our Aboriginal and ethnic communities bring to our country. 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 Canadian multicultural celebration.

Festival hours are Saturday, 12 noon to 11 pm and Sunday 12 noon to 7 pm. The Festival is fully accessible. A Pre-Festival display and Press Conference including Entertainment is held the week prior to the Festival at Intercity Shopping Centre. Programs including the Sponsors, Entertainment Schedule, Food and Exhibit Booths are distributed to people. Our website operates year round promoting the Festival and our Sponsors. Opening ceremonies, with our “Parade of Nations”, local members of Parliament, City Council, the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association Board of Directors, and Sponsors, will be held at 2 pm Saturday May 5 in the main stage area.

More than 1,000 volunteers assist in planning, performing, and preparing of site decorations, back-drops, stage, food and exhibit booths, the Children’s Area, promotion and organization. Because of these special people, the community of Thunder Bay and visitors have the unique opportunity to experience this exquisite multicultural mosaic, the largest presentation in our Region.