The Cambridge Multicultural Festival is heading back to Forbes Park in Hespeler to celebrate the diversity of the city on July 20.
This year's event will focus on unity and diversity while putting extra emphasis on children's mental health.
"This year will be a little different from last year now that we have more interest and sponsors, so we are looking to put on the best event possible for the community," said Cambridge Cultural Association founder Saiira Najak.
The Cambridge Cultural Association has been operating since 2019 and was created by Najak to keep up with similar events around the region showing that Cambridge is just as diverse.
At this year's event, more cultures are taking part to showcase their heritage and connect with others from around the city.
"It's amazing to give people the opportunity to get out and meet others from their culture and find a community within the community," added Najak. "We especially want to focus on the mental health of our youth and show them that there are people who care about them and who are looking out for them."
There will be multiple activities geared towards children like youth tennis lessons at the Hespeler Tennis Club right next to the park. The Cambridge Kendo Club and Thai boxing classes will also be available for youth and adults.
Some of the new main acts on stage will be African drumming circles, Chinese fashion shows and Armenian cultural songs and dances.
Najak notes food is another way to experience and learn about other cultures adding there won't be a shortage of diverse food.
"You are going to want to bring an empty stomach," jokes Najak. "We have Indian, Caribbean and other ethnic food that can really teach you a lot about someone's background."
Twisted Shweets candy store will also be on scene at the kid's zone to serve cotton candy and other sweet treats.
Along with bouncy castles and interactive activities for the children, parkgoers will also have a chance to win prizes through a raffle.
"We are fortunate enough to have some amazing sponsors and they have donated so many great prizes that can be won from buying a raffle ticket or spinning wheel," added Najak.
This year has more interest than ever before as people representing countries from all over the world look to share their experiences and heritage.
"We have grown so much since our first event and you can really see all the different cultures that are starting to settle here in Cambridge and they want to be involved," said Najak. "That is the one thing about Cambridge, there are so many more cultures here than you think, you just have to know where to look."
Shut down for three years during the pandemic, this will be only the third multicultural event in Cambridge since 2019.
The festivities will run from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information on the vendors and performances, please visit their website.
