Morden's 15th Annual Multicultural Winter Fest is right around the corner, and this year promises to be the best yet. The festival, which takes place on Saturday, February 8th, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, will showcase six vibrant pavilions, each representing a different culture from around the world. This exciting event, which brings together both long-time residents and newcomers to the community, is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, enjoy free food and entertainment, and experience unique traditions.
Festival growth over the years
Shelley Voth, who chairs the Morden Multicultural Winter Fest Committee, shares her excitement about how much the event has grown. "It's been a lot of fun. Even just our newcomer community has changed—there are a lot more cultures represented now," says Voth, reflecting on her 11 years of involvement.
Initially, the event was held at the Access Event Center, but as the festival gained popularity, it outgrew its space. Voth explains, "We weren't able to fit everything that we wanted to do and fit everyone who wanted to come. That’s when we moved to a multi-pavilion model, and it’s working really well for us."
The volunteer spirit
Voth is thrilled not only by the growth of the festival itself but also by the increasing enthusiasm from volunteers. "We've got probably 400 to 500 volunteers between all the pavilions. A good chunk of that is from our newcomer community, and everyone is just so excited to showcase their culture," she says.
The festival’s success relies heavily on the dedication of its volunteers, with many taking on key roles in pavilion management, marketing, transportation, and more. “It takes a lot of people to put this on. Each pavilion is like its own event,” Voth adds.
Free and accessible for all
One of the most exciting aspects of the Winter Fest is that it is entirely free to attend. "Everything is free—entertainment, food, and even transportation between pavilions. We’ve got buses that will take you from one pavilion to another, so you don’t have to worry about parking or the cold," Voth explains. With temperatures expected to hit -16°C, the transportation service is sure to be a welcome convenience for attendees.
East Asia pavilion: A glimpse into Filipino, Chinese, and Indonesian cultures
The East Asia Pavilion stands out, showcasing Filipino, Chinese, and Indonesian cultures. Lalaine Cabrera, who represents the East Asia Pavilion, shares some of the highlights visitors can expect. "We have volunteers showcasing their talents with Tai Chi demonstrations, singing, and dancing," Cabrera says. "Tai Chi is a form of meditation through martial arts, and it's really cool to watch."
In addition to performances, the pavilion will feature display tables, a kids' corner, and, of course, food samples. "We’ll be offering Chinese tea eggs, prawn crackers, Lumpia (Filipino spring rolls), and Pancit (fried noodles), just to name a few," Cabrera says with a smile.
Lumpia, a beloved Filipino snack, is a type of spring roll filled with pork, carrots, and other tasty ingredients. "Lumpia is a staple at Filipino parties—whether it's a birthday or wedding, you’ll always find it," Cabrera explains. "It’s made with a very specific wrapper that makes it extra delicious."
Don’t miss Morden’s Multicultural Winter Fest
With the festival just days away, the excitement is building. Voth and Cabrera both encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the festivities. "It's a fantastic way to learn about different cultures, try new things, and be part of our community’s growth," Voth says.