Taste of Culture drew thousands of people to Battlefords Agricultuar Society grounds over the weekend. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

By Josh Ryan

Multicultural flavour

Taste of Culture draws huge crowd at Ag Grounds

Jun 7, 2022 | 5:00 AM

The sun was out for business owners showcasing multicultural food and products over the weekend.

Taste of Culture returned to the Battlefords in triumphant fashion, displaying a variety of vendors at the Agricultural Society Grounds, along with raffle prizes and live music. Booths featuring food from several different countries were available, with fundraising for multiple causes in play and a silent auction as well.

Annette McGovern, Executive Director of the Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre, said the weekend was a significant improvement on 2021. While they were only able to host the event for one day last year, which happened to come during bad weather, this time they returned to two days, attracting more than 3,500 people, or roughly three times the previous total.

“We had a great Saturday and Sunday and it was beautiful outside,” McGovern said. “It was great to have so many people come out.”

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(Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

A lot of focus for the event was spent on support for Ukrainians affected by the ongoing conflict overseas. With more than 30 families having relocated to the Battlefords, several members of that total came out to the Ukrainian food booth and met with the public, joined by fellow Ukrainian’s who already live in the Battlefords, but knew them from years ago.

“We’re introducing them to people here,” McGovern said. “Some of them are connecting with people from back home that they didn’t even know were here [already].”

“It’s a worthy cause and we really appreciate people coming to support it.”

(Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

In addition to music, there were a variety of dance groups showcasing different cultures, as well as martial arts demonstration.

Community opportunities

Unlike 2021, food vendors saw plenty of volume during Taste of Culture. Options ranged from Filipino street cuisine to Spudnuts made by members of the Rotary Club.

Mercy George, Owner of Dejma’s Curry House, said the event was a catalyst for her family and her business. Coming here and having people taste Indian food was where George said she got started in the Battlefords, having run the Curry House for more than four years.

“This is my base [of support] that helped me to think that maybe I should start a restaurant,” she said.

Mercy George (second from the left) with family and staff. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

George said she has made plenty of contacts in the years since through having a booth in Taste of Culture, noting that it’s a key community event.

“It’s a way to interact with people we didn’t see for some time,” she said.

It’s also a consistent way to create memories. George said she has enjoyable interactions with people trying the food for the first time.

“People tell you right away if they like something or not,” she said.

Expanding out

There were a few new faces at the Ag Grounds over the weekend as well, including entrepreneurs who got started during the pandemic. Grace Antalan and Mary Lefevre, owners of Antalan Myx & Match and AU Digger respectively, made their first appearance of face-to-face sales at an event after selling exclusively online.

“We’re locked down for two years, so it was time to enjoy being out,” Antalan said.

Mary Lefevre and Grace Antalan. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

Lefevre, who sells jewelry, dresses and pajamas, said it was a rewarding experience and has plans to have a booth in future events. There’s also some optimism looking into the future.

“We’re both hoping to own our own store at some point,” Lefevre said. “Maybe we can build it up through this.”

Both business owners were thankful to customers that supported them during the pandemic, as well as everyone who came through during Taste of Culture.

“We wouldn’t be here without those people.”

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josh.ryan@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports