The Town of Preeceville hosted a cultural day with many community members showcasing elements of the many cultures in and around the community.
The event was held on September 29 when students from the Preeceville School 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. "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.
Welma Bartel, Preeceville councillor, gave greetings from the Town of Preeceville.
"Today, we honour culture days in Preeceville," she said." It warms my heart to see so many of you representing different cultures that we have in Preeceville and area.
“Let’s celebrate and welcome each other with our differences and similarities in our cultures. We are enriched as a community to have such diversity in our area.”
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 and traditional Irish stew was served with soda bread and a slice of orange or chocolate Guinness cake. Miles and Anna Russell, with some local volunteers, manned the table.
The Preeceville Heritage Museum hosted a perogie-and-sausage lunch and provided artefacts on Ukrainian culture.
The Scandinavian culture featured displays and books.
Betty Lou Skogen told a story about what it was like growing up non-Aboriginal in an Aboriginal environment.
. The Aboriginal culture was showcased through storytelling and traditional dance by members of Keeseekoose First Nation. 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.
"It isn't about the culture, it is about the belief and traditional lifestyle," Musqua said.
Doreen Bochnuik gave a demonstration of making decorated Easter eggs in the traditional Ukrainian culture. School students and adults enjoyed trying their hand at decorating eggs.
Representatives of the East India culture displayed many items.
Filipino food was made available for lunch.
The Filipino Sari-Sari store featured a variety of Asian food for sale.
South Africa was represented through a visual display of art. Hein Bertram and Welma Bartel manned the booth and offered samples.
Entertainment was provided by Aboriginal singing, drumming and dancing, Willie and Company and the Filipino community. The Philippine Amazing Community Band performed. Pastor Hein Bertram played the accordion. Stella Holmes played Ukrainian music on her guitar. Gagnondeep Kaur gave a demonstration in India Bhangra dancing. A turban-tying demonstration was held as part of the India culture. Britney Vewchar and Camryn Nelson performed and Jillian Newton played a flute solo.
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.
The seventh annual culture days weekend took place September 30, October 1 and 2, and featured thousands of free, hands-on, interactive activities that invited the public to participate “behind-the-scenes,” to discover the world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators, designers and other creative people in their communities, it said.
