THUNDER BAY — The second annual Bato'o will be underway in Thunder Bay this Saturday at the Moose Hall in what organizer Liliane Breiland called a diverse and multicultural celebration of people.
Bato'o translates to people, and the event will bring businesses together to showcase fashion, food, music and entertainment.
Breiland, who is the owner of The African Boutique Thunder Bay, said the event was successful last year.
"It's where we belong and it helps us realize that no matter our differences, we are just one," she said.
"When you walk through the door it's like you are travelling around the world. Beauty, flavour, and fashion will delight your senses with spices and fashion from here and elsewhere.
The event will feature food from around the world provided by local businesses, including Na'Nadam's African Cuisine, Thunder Bay African Restaurant, La Empanada, Kokum's Bannock & Beyond, Diane Cuisine, and Lasa Okay.
Fashion houses will host fashion shows, and their designs will be available for purchase. They include Perfect Fit, Kwik Co., Finn Origins, Lewk Clothing, Sister Bear Designs, The African Boutique, Joyce Seppala Designs, and Majesty Makings.
An international scene is completed with music, entertainment and performances involving DJ Edwin Martinez, Dame Más Dance performance, Multicultural Ballet, African performance, Djembe Folklore, Live Music, World Cultural Dance, and Social Dance.
Breiland said the Bato'o celebration is beneficial to the community by exposing the businesses and their many international products and services that are now available around the city.
"Summer is coming, and this is a good opportunity to see the new creations and the diversity of what we have here," she said.
Tickets are $40 and are available at The African Boutique. For more information, visit www.theafricanboutique.ca or call 807- 630-6698.
