Celebrating Diversity

Surrey's Fusion Festival - Opening Ceremony

Wow, what a fabulous weekend! My hometown Surrey, recognized as the 2008 Cultural Capital of Canada, had its inaugural Fusion Festival – a celebration of music, food and culture.

Celebrating diversity took place on four stages with colourful and lively performances, and at twenty-some cultural pavilions. I confess not realizing so many cultures are represented in my own community. Wandering the various pavilions was reminiscent of visiting the '83 World Scout Jamboree in Kananaski, Alberta, and learning about cultures from around the globe. Now, the world is in my backyard, I have never really taken the time to appreciate that richness – until now.

Darrell and I enjoyed Greek Spanakopitta (pastry pie with feta and spinach filling), Polish Placki Ziemnicazne (potato pancakes), First Nations' barbequed salmon and bannock. And, with two food tickets left, I finished off with a sweet Palestinian Baklava. Yummy!

Being a glorious weekend, shade was at a premium. I was slathering on the sunscreen, which presented me with a dilemma: when wearing a low-cut top, how does one discretely rub sunscreen on one's cleavage? Sunday I wore a high neckline top with long sleeves! Not overly summery, but it did prevent bits from burning!

The newly redeveloped urban park is quite wheelchair friendly with paved and gravel paths throughout, and being fairly level, scooting across the rather worn grass was quite doable. Rows of portable toilets, including wheelchair accessible ones, were scattered through the park. Using porta-potties is never the most pleasant experience, but when you got to go – you gotta go! Actually, come to think of it, the porta-potties were cleaner than other wheelchair washrooms I have seen.

Next to being a free event (except for the food), the best thing was the event was only ten minutes from home! No need to take transit somewhere, which always adds an hour, at least, both ways. I'm hoping more events will be held at this great venue – right in my own community.

Hope you are also enjoying what your community offers this summer.