Today I am going a little off script to bring you pictures of a Multicultural event in our small town. Simple as that! A whole bunch of people who look different, come from many different places, just gathering and sharing the town square in a celebration of community.
The weather certainly cooperated as it was warm and sunny with a little cloudy relief. Nice to see the trees growing in town square and providing shade for the people languishing under the towers of city hall.
A nice lady from Cuba set up a tent with crafts and education about far away countries for the children to learn and have fun.
This is Geza who quarterbacked this whole event including all the arrangements with city hall and all of the volunteers. He calls on a church leader to provide a rather neutral but nice religious greeting for all, no matter their religion or lack thereof.
People of every walk of life were invited and many came out to hang out with people they wouldn't normally. Immigrants, multigenerational citizens, families and townies of all sorts. Very little agenda except music, food and togetherness.
Speaking with some happy people, it was brought up what a gift this was. There are plenty of places in the world, some where these folks originated from, where a gathering like this would never happen without armed guards, logistical challenges, or community support.
So great to see the square used by people of so many ethnic backgrounds simply to celebrate the outdoors with each other.
The Ekhaya World Band provided some of the musical entertainment. Beautiful reggae and island beats for the people in the summer time.
I snuck behind the band for a shot of the music in motion. Makes me happy to see all the people enjoying themselves with the backdrop of classic century buildings.
I did mention food! Chef Carlos has the bbq all set up and is pumping out all sorts of burgers and food inspired by different places in the world. All for free or donation.
I look at this shot, knowing all the buildings and the people who live and do business in them. I wonder what it looks like to people around the world. Seem strange? Normal? Remind them of somewhere else?
All in all, it was a glorious day with perfect weather, great music, people from everywhere enjoying life in this small Canadian town together. There is no room for ignorance and racism when we gather as one people and celebrate together.