This Saturday: Carousel of Nations celebrates Revelstoke’s diverse cultures

Contributed by Revelstoke Multicultural Society

The Revelstoke Multicultural Society’s annual Carousel of Nations is shaping up to be a spectacular event this year. The free event celebrates Revelstoke’s diverse multicultural community with food, — entertainment, and interactive cultural displays.

“The Revelstoke Multicultural Society is extremely pleased to be the catalyst to this event every year. To see the community support year in and year out for the last nine years is something that confirms our belief and mandate that Revelstoke is an open and welcoming community,” said Briana Sadler, Revelstoke Multicultural Society vice chair and Carousel of Nations entertainment coordinator.

Dallas Arcand will perform at this year’s Carousel of Nations event Feb. 3. Photo: Dallas Arcand

The theme of this year’s event is languages, focusing on the different ways communication occurs across cultures.

“We decided to explore the theme of languages this year because we are fascinated with how we communicate our culture. We communicate through dance, history, food, art — we know that the Carousel of Nations brings this aspect of our community to the fore front,” said Sadler.

Headlining this year’s entertainment are world champion Aboriginal Hoop Dancer Dallas Arcand and Kokoma, a Vancouver-based African heritage dance and drum ensemble. The Kokoma ensemble has spent the past 12 years performing throughout Canada and the U.S.

Dallas is a three-time world champion hoop dancer who astounded the world with is hoop dancing at the 2010 Olympic Games opening ceremonies. Arcand joined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when he visited Revelstoke this past summer.

“Dallas Arcand is the top Hoop Dancer in the world, we are just pleased he can fit us into his busy schedule! After us, he’s heading on a plane to South Korea for the 2018 winter Olympics!” said Sadler.

Local performers are also featured as part of the event, with the Revelstoke Highlanders Pipe Band opening the event.

New this year are acoustic performances located throughout the event. Acoustic performers confirmed are The Tappalchian String Band (Denis Serevino of the Revelstoke Coffee House) and Anna Fin, who will perform Russian folk songs. Local radio DJ Shaun Aquiline will once again act as emcee.

Check out our photo gallery from the 2017 Carousel of Nations event

Local food vendors will offer up an array of culturally diverse dishes. This year attendees can expect to find French, Chinese, Indian, Polish, Japanese, Aboriginal, and Vietnamese dishes. Food sampler tickets are $3 per plate. Food Coordinator Melissa Hemphill said the event is a great opportunity to showcase cultural traditions through food.

The event also includes a number of interactive displays from various community groups, Looking Back in the Library – History Talks presentations, kids craft table and the very popular Kids Around the World activities.

A Carousel of Nations takes place on Saturday, Feb. 3 from 3:30–7 p.m. at the Revelstoke Community Centre.