A celebration of cultural diversity in Chatham-Kent is about to get underway.
The first-ever Taste of Chatham-Kent opens on Saturday and continues until September 30 throughout the municipality.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff said the multi-week celebration brings together cultural associations, businesses, and community groups to showcase "unique and exciting" cultural activities taking place all over the municipality.
Several events are already scheduled, such as a Newcomer Picnic in the Park on Saturday at Kingston Park, the Chatham-Kent International Food Festival in Tecumseh Park between August 16 and 18, and the CK World Cup Soccer Tournament, hosted by the Portuguese Club of Chatham, on August 24.
Mayor Canniff said Chatham-Kent speaks over 70 different languages and that must be celebrated.
"We want to celebrate multiculturalism in Chatham-Kent and we decided rather than a big event and putting something in a park, we wanted to spread it out. We wanted to have a couple of months where right across Chatham-Kent organizations are celebrating," the mayor said.
Canniff said this event is culturally significant and wants to grow it beyond 2024.
"We want all sorts of people, all sorts of nationalities tying in. It's about learning about all of the cultures that we have here. We want people getting out and experiencing it. It's a social event. A lot of these events are going to be free, you'll pay for food, but it's a great opportunity to get out and meet other people," said Canniff.
Event co-chair Tracey Callaghan noted there are many more events "cooking" and the other co-chair Dava Robichaud said more are being added weekly.
A complete schedule of events is available by clicking here.
Community or cultural groups that are planning events, such as dance performances, live music, a special night at a restaurant, hosting an open house, or planning an activity to showcase cultural heritage can send details to info@tasteofchathamkent.ca and the event will be added to the line-up.