Community invited to share in the magic of Shelburne’s Multicultural Day on May 4

Written By MARNI WALSH

Althea Casamento invites the community to participate in the 2019 Multicultural Day to be held on May 4 at Centre Dufferin District High School. 

V.I.P.'s  such as MMP Sylvia Jones, Sleburne Mayor Wade Mills, Deputy Mayor Steve Anderson, Orangeville Mayor Sandy Brown, Orangeville Councillor Lisa Post, Amaranth Deputy Mayor Chris Gerrits, Conservative nominee Harzadan Singh Khattra, Liberal candidate Michele Fisher, and representatives from the Shelburne Police Service and Shelburne Fire Department will be in attendance. 

“There are some great performances, food, and exhibits at the event from around Dufferin County,” says Ms. Casamento.  

Earlier this year, Ms. Casamento told the Free Press the celebration of cultural diversity in Shelburne showcases “our diversity” and celebrates “our differences.”

“I am honored to be able to host an event that brings our community together,” says Ms. Casamento, “There is much more diversity thoroughout Dufferin County.  Shelburne specifically has experienced tremendous growth within the last few years and we are still growing.  Showcasing our diversity would be an amazing step for our community.”

She added, “I am challenging everyone in the community to enter an art, crafts, traditional clothing, entertainment and any finger foods that showcases your culture.”

Event highlights include crafts and story time by Shelburne Public Library; art work by Glenbrook Elementary, Hyland Heights Elementary, and Centre Dufferin High School; performances by Centre Dufferin High School students, including drumming, poetry, and dancing; food samples from Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad, Sweden, Italy, and India; community leader Philip H. DeWar and Soulyve Catering; Shelburne Garment Manufacturing showcasing African fashions; Sarah Redger performing Native songs and drumming; as well as participation by the Museum of Dufferin.

A “House Party” organized by the Shelburne Primrose Pastoral Charge will be held at Trinity United Church on Friday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. in celebration of the rich cultural diversity of the community. 

Ms. Casamento believes Multicultural Day facilitates “a postive message to youth in the community”. One of Ms. Casamento's goals is to create new business opportunities to cater to the community's cultural needs, while educating the younger generation on different cultures of the world. She says the event can help to break communication barriers, build a community people are be proud to be a part of, and open the door for future growth.

Multicultural Day is free and open to all from 12 noon to 4pm on May 4th at Centre Dufferin District High School. Anyone wishing to volunteer or sponsor the event may contact Althea Casamento at altheacasamento@gmail.com.