This four decades old festival has become one of the most popular spring festivals in the Niagara region. Attendance hovers around 18 000 visitors, and is growing. The festival is usually held in the early spring, at the end of May, and lasts for three days.
The festival's Open House and Ambassador's Ball are the highlights of the event. Many people attend to support the Citizenship Ceremony. Several Folk Arts Council Multicultural Clubs dedicate their time and financial support to make the event a success. But, the special flavor comes from the large number of volunteers who warmly welcome visitors with heart felt enthusiasm.
The events range from the familiar and expected to the exotic and awe inspiring as entertainers bring the world's music, dance and food to the park. Dozens of cultures are represented including the Caribbean, Celtic, Irish, Ojibwa, Scottish pipers, Latin music, Filipino dancers, Hindu Samaj, Egyptian belly dancers, Russian music and more.
The park is ripe with troubadours and bands, classical and native music. Children's programs run throughout the day introducing the children to the many heritages and peoples celebrated in Canada's individualistic culture. There is no way to take in all the events as they run simultaneously and still make it difficult to fit everything into one weekend.
The open houses span the whole Niagara region and include the Ukrainian Youth Association, Indai-Canadian Association of Niagara, Club Heidelberg, Greek community of Niagara, Armenian Community Centre , and Carib Cultural Association, to name a few.
Visitors can combine it with the spring festivals to create a truly wonderful experience.
