Folklorama major fundraiser for local cultural organizations
On top of getting a chance to highlight their culture, Folklorama is also proving to be an important source of funding for local cultural groups.
The festival features cultures from around the world -- showing their food, dance and history.
For the organizations that run the pavilions, it's much more important than just a fun time.
Returning after a pandemic break, organizers at the Africa pavilion weren't sure how busy it would be.
"Coming in this year, we're not so sure how things would turn out because of COVID, so we limited the number of the performances we would have," said Frank Indome, media coordinator for the pavilion.
With the final night of Folklorma now here, Indome is calling it a big success.
"We've had three shows throughout the week; 6:45, 815 and 9:45," said Indome, "The first two shows are usually sold out and today, being the last day, we're expecting a very large crowd to come."
While the African Communities of Manitoba Inc. (ACOMI), the organization that runs the pavilion, says sharing their cultures has been nice, the funds raised from the pavilion are very important.
"So we put on our pavilion as a fundraiser. The African communities have been looking forward to having a centre of its own, and yeah, we've been fundraising for some time now," said Indome.
Indome said ACOMI already has a plan in place for the centre.
"So the structure that we have there will be a hall similar to this for entertainment, also for youth to play basketball, some indoor as sports and activities," explained Indome.
Indome said the centre also plans on having a daycare.
On top of the centre, the plan is to have apartments for families and seniors who recently immigrated or need housing.
With funding still needed and many more people willing to learn about African culture, ACOMI said it's already looking forward to next year's Folklorama.
"Yeah, in fact, we've been having the Africa pavilion for the past 20 years, and we've not missed a year, so long as Folklorama has the festival, we're definitely going to participate," Indome said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.