MCA’s Multicultural EXPO 2019 sees strong attendance
FORT McMURRAY, AB - February 14, 2019 — The annual showcase of community diversity by the Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo (MCA) set strong attendance levels this past weekend.
More than 2,150 people attended the day-long Multicultural EXPO 2019 event held at MacDonald Island on Saturday, February 9, which saw the participation of representatives of more than 50 nations.
“We are delighted that so many members of our community came out to celebrate our diversity,” said Dango Gogo, President of the MCA. “This event showcases our corporate vision of unity in diversity and shows that our community is strong and inclusive.”
“The MCA values the differences among persons from all over the world who live and work in RMWB,” said Gogo. “This event celebrates the multicultural contributions from our citizens, while educating all of us about the range of our diversity.”
“We have to thank the more than 200 volunteers who came out,” said Therese Greenwood, Executive Director of the MCA. “It is their commitment to celebrating our community’s multiculturalism that made this event such a success.”
Founded in 2011, Multicultural EXPO is the MCA’s annual flagship event. It highlights the diverse cultural groups in the region with history, food, dance, activities, and knowledge of residents’ background.
This year’s family-oriented EXPO began with a Parade of Nations, a flag ceremony representing multiple nations, and the playing of O Canada. The event also included a Multicultural Fashion Show where participants were able to present unique international attires to the audience.
The event included a youth talent show which displayed 18 acts with 33 youth participants. The EXPO 2019 stage saw performances every hour and included 12 local acts throughout the span of the event.
EXPO 2019 featured 38 booths, of which 25 were cultural and supported activities, including international cuisines, cultural display and handicraft sales. Thirteen exhibitors were social profits and local organizations.
Local sponsors included Canadian Natural, CNOOC, Don Scott McMurray Law Office, Harvard Broadcasting, 91.1 The Bridge, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and The United Way of Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo.
