June 1st marks the Annual Timmins Multicultural Festival 2014 hosted by the Timmins Multicultural Society Inc. The Timmins Multicultural Festival has been in existance for over 40 years. With 14 local ethnic groups participating.
Marjorie Boyd, President, Timmins Multicultural Society Inc., says, " The Timmins Multicultural Festival has been in existance for over 40 years. With 14 local ethnic groups participating. The festival starts off with a parade of nations led by “Chinese Dragon Dance”. Opening ceremonies consist of local dignitaries, flags of the nation and singing of O’Canada. Booths are then open to the public where people can enjoy ethnic foods, costumes, displays and crafts."
Boyd talks about the history of the Timmins Multicultural Festival . " The first Festival was held in South Porcupine at the former Timmins Museum site (just north of St. Paul's Church which is across the street from The South Porcupine Arena/Legion). It was held on the lawn then moved to the Arena. I think there were: Ukrainian, Scottish, Italian, French involved. It was called The Ethnic Festival at that time. It moved from one location to another until it finally settled at The MacIntyre."
"This is our 40-42 year/ The originators are deceased and there is some confusion as to when the 1st occurred. We think the first was 1974/5."
"As I mentioned, We now have 14 groups participating. Each group has a booth decorated with their countries flags, artifacts etc. They all sell their food including German sausages, cabbage rolls, baking from Scotland , sausage on buns, East Indian, Latin American/Jamaican food and more!"
Starting at 12:30, there is a "Parade of Nations", opening ceremonies ( Mike Doody M.C.'s, Mayor, Gilles Bisson and/or Charlie Angus come), "O Canada" is sung, a couple of short speeches then the booths sell food and entertainment by the different cultures starts at 1:30. Timmins Police Pipes and drums performs every year. There is a "Silver Collection" at the door.
Boyd ends with, "It's our day to celebrate our "roots" and be thankful we're lucky to be able to live in Canada."
