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42nd annual Folklore Festival set for next weekend

THUNDER BAY – Even though it has been a community staple for more than 40 years, the Folklore Festival continues to evolve.
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A pair of Le Stelle Alpine Italian Performing Arts Association dancers perform on Saturday at a media conference in advance of the 42nd annual Folklore Festival, which will be held next weekend at the Fort William Gardens. (Matt Vis, tbnewswatch.com)

THUNDER BAY – Even though it has been a community staple for more than 40 years, the Folklore Festival continues to evolve.

Organizers of the of the city’s popular multicultural showcase held an advance media conference at the Intercity Shopping Centre in advance of the 42nd annual edition of the event, which will be held next weekend at the Fort William Gardens.

Jeanetty Jumah, chair of sponsorship and promotions, said there is always something different about each festival.

“We’re always trying to make it new. We’re trying to bring in new ideas, new groups and we hope the people of Thunder Bay will be back as they’ve been for 42 years,” Jumah said.

The two-day festival will include more than 40 performances, as well as the always popular food court with more than 15 different groups offering tastes from around the world in the adjoining Fort William Curling Club. Imported beer and wine will also be available.

As well, many different groups will be selling art and treasures from regions all over the globe.

There are also children’s activities to make the festival more family friendly. Involving children is an important part of the festival’s mandate.

“We cater to the beautiful children who need to grow up with a greater understanding of how great it is to have so many cultures in our community. We need to value each other,” she said.

The media conference featured performances by the Le Stelle Alpine Italian Performing Arts Association, Zorya Ukrainian Dance Association and the Thunder Bay Chinese Canadian Association Tai Chi Group as a sneak peak of some of the entertainment that can be seen at the festival.

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Last year’s festival drew more than 14,000 people, not far from the record of 16,000 set during the 40th reunion event in 2013.

The festival runs next Saturday from noon until 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 7 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, $1 for children aged four to 12 and children under four get in free.





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