Protocols in place, the Vermilion Culture Fest organized by Lloydminster and Vermilion for Equity will have its inaugural run at the Vermilion Curling Rink this Saturday and Sunday.
Organizers say weather permitting most of the activities will be outdoors.
Event coordinator Brad Gallamore shares about the multicultural aspect on Saturday.
“There’s going to be Scottish bagpipers. We’re going to have highland dancers. We have an Indian dancer doing an ancient dance from India. We have an African drum and singing group. It’s going to be amazing. There’s going to be food trucks. We are going to be all set up for food. We are going to have places to eat where it’s safe and you can still follow all the guidelines.”
Gallamore says they will also have vendors set up for a mini-trade show, with bannock and kettlecorn to round off the menu.
Sunday will have an Indigenous focus centred on truth and reconciliation adds Gallamore.
“So we are going to have some speakers not only talking about family members who are residential school survivors or some who did not make it home, but we are also going to be talking about the successes and the victories of Indigenous peoples both in Lakeland and right across Turtle Island [North and Central America]. We are going to have some Indigenous singers and drummers as well, and two amazing dancers are coming down, specifically for the day.”
Saturday runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday the festival is from noon to 5 p.m.
The event comes as Alberta is observing culture days in September with National Culture Days as well being celebrated from September 24 to October 24.