An event is aiming to join cultures in Okotoks this weekend.
The Diaryo Alberta Society, founded in 2008 to connect diverse communities, is hosting the Okotoks Yule-ticultural Fest on Saturday, Dec. 16 at Foothills Centennial Centre.
“This is the first time in Okotoks we’ve done this,” said society chair Romeo Honorio.
The event comes on the heels of a similar successful one held in Calgary in October that saw eight ethnic groups involved.
“It was a good thing our community was able to have some ideas; we're not only receiving things we need also to give away things, especially our time, our resources,” Honorio said. “Now we would also like to add another dimension to the celebration.”
Another spinoff effect of the event, he said, is to combat racism with understanding.
“Okotoks is one of the towns in Alberta with a booming population of immigrants,” Honorio said. “We would like them to feel that they are really accepted, welcome and able to join with the community in celebrating Yuletide.
“We’re able to communicate the idea of humanity, equality, respect and opportunity.”
The Okotoks Fil Can Society, a group of Filipino Canadians, is involved as well, and wanted to see an event similar to the one held in Calgary, with the end goal to connect to the broader resident base.
“We would like to reach out to not only ethnic groups, but the mainstream Okotokians,” Honorio said.
They had excellent results with the previous event, with hundreds in attendance.
“It was a blast, and the response was so good,” Honorio said.
“We were able to learn a lot of things from our different ethnic groups because they were able to perform their cultural dances, display their items and we were also able to be covered by media in the Philippines.”
At the event will be Indian, Chinese and Filipino groups, offering food and other experiences.
Also on the docket for the evening are a leisure drive with decked out cars, eating competitions and guessing games.
Admission is free, but pre-registration is required through the Okotoks Fil-Can Society at 587-438-4957 or Foothills Community Immigrant Services at 403-938-4699.
