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Diversity abounds at Carousel of Nations

Revelstoke Multicultural Society hosting 7th annual Carousel of Nations, celebrating community's diversity.
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Japanese drumming group Yamabiko Taiko are coming from Kelowna to perform at the Carousel of Nations on Saturday

Now in its seventh year, the annual Carousel of Nations, hosted by the Revelstoke Multicultural Society, will once again feature plenty of cultural delights from around the globe.

As in past years, the Revelstoke Highlanders will open the event, followed by a First Nations and Revelstoke Multicultural Society welcome. Other acts featured include local musicians Myra Morrison and Denis Severino playing Appalachian fiddle music; Yamabiko Taiko Japanese drumming group out of Kelowna; Wes Mackey playing blues, and; Cori Derickson doing Aboriginal storytelling.

Derickson, who is from Kelowna will be doing a series of First Nations dances. She will be performing the Eagle dance, a spiritual dance performed around the world in many cultures. Derickson has travelled and performed in Peru and France.

This year's Carousel of Nations will also include KIDS Around the World, a feature dreamt up by local teacher Gabriella Draboczi. This feature for primary/elementary school children features 12 representatives from different cultures who designed 20 minute long interactive games and presentations for children to participate in. Each features a different country.

New to the event this year is a partnership between the Revelstoke Multicultural Society and the North Columbia Environmental Society.

“With the help of the NCES we are trying to make our event more environmentally friendly,” reads an email from the Multicultural Society. “The Multicultural Society has purchased compostable sugar cane plates and cutlery. Upon entry and purchase of food tickets each person will receive one set of cutlery to be re-used during the event. Additional cutlery is 50 cents.”

Plate-ware and food waste will be composted through Spa Hills Compost, and there will be a water station set up by NCES to encourage the public to bring and use water bottles.

In addition, the Revelstoke Pottery Guild will be selling handmade pottery plates that can be purchased and used during the event. Proceeds from the pottery sales will go to the local Syrian refugee fundraising group, Revelstoke For Refugees.

Of course, this weekend's event will also include the amazing food vendor line-up it has become famous for. Vendors include:

Aboriginal, by School District #19 Aboriginal Education;

Chinese, by Kevin's Kitchen;

French Canadian, by APÉ de l’école des Glaciers and Groupe culturel francophone de Revelstoke;

Indian/German, by Paramjit’s Kitchen;

Japanese, by Harumi's Japanese Food;

Jamaican, by Damion's Jamaica's Best;

Korean, by Maimi’s Korean Food;

Syrian/Middle East, by Revelstoke for Refugees;

Taiwanese, by Sally's Taiwanese Baking;

Vietnamese, by Minh Tuyet’s Vietnamese Bistro;

As well, the Revelstoke Fair Trade Society will be serving fair trade coffee, and the multicultural society will sell cold beverages.

This year's Carousel of Nations takes place at the Revelstoke Community Centre on Saturday, Jan. 30 from 4-7 p.m.