""We want people to really enjoy every minute of their stay, This is a one-stop shop. You travel around the world without spending a single cent."
The words of Carolyn Barclay, Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee (CISC) program director rang true at the latest edition of Culture Fest.
A total of 24 exhibits representing 22 countries and First Nations plus 14 msuical performances filled the Cochrane Lions Event Centre on Sept. 7.
Argentina was one of the countries being represent for the first time.
Simon Galvez Pomba wasn't born in Argentina, but he's been there often and it's a country he loves and considers a second home. He says Argentinians have been one of the smallest Latin immigrants to Canada but recently they've started to come together to do things like this.
Simon was dressed as a gaucho, an Argentian cowboy. He's wearing a rastra, a belt that has coins.
"It was a way for them to show off wealth to the other gauchos. So, the richest gauchos would have gold coins, and they would show themselves because there's so many of these like little farming communities that they would come together and dance and show themselves off."
They had an extensive display of items to represent their strong sense of community and family.
"All of these things on this table extrapolate to community," he says. "These are playing cards that we play in family and community. We drink as a community. We play soccer in community. We do all these things because we're very tight-knit culture, where family and all these things are very, very, very important."
The Filipino Association of Cochrane Alberta brought their replica of a Jeepney, a common form of public transportation in the Philippines. It was also part of the Labour Day Parade and a pop-up event that same day.
Rose Mina explains they are used for public transportation.
"It can accommodate 18 to 20 people, depending on how big the jeepney is. You'll see them everywhere in the Philippines."
Muhammad Yaseen, Alberta minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism, visited all the booths at Culture Fest to chat and sample the food.
"I'm just so happy to be here again, and I wish everybody a very multicultural event here today."
"I've been tasting a little bit of everything here," he said. "It's amazing."
Mayor Jeff Genung was one of the first people through the doors.
"Cochrane's growing, and with it our culture and diversity is growing," says Mayor Jeff Genung. "Just the smiling faces and diversity in this room and the draw it has with our community, it's awesome soon."
CIAS thanks the community for making Culture Fest another incredible success.
"The energy, excitement, and diversity on display were truly heartwarming, and we couldn’t have done it without your amazing support. From the vibrant performances to the delicious food and fun activities, it was a day to remember."
