A world of culture, right at home

Heartfelt vocals ring out from Festival Plaza in Centennial Park, sung by a talented youth whose generational home has become a war-torn country.

Brightly coloured flags in various colours and patterns flap proudly in the southwest winds of the Peace Region. Smells to captivate the senses drift from the beautifully decorated tables inside Festival Plaza. The aroma of delicate spices and flavourful bites draw people inside. Visitors hold out their “passport,” determined to collect all the stamps. Dancers whose talent are only matched by their vibrant costumes consume centre stage. A queue for vendors and food trucks bring people from afar. Drums echo loudly from nearby, accented by the laughter and noise of community members discovering the hidden gems of the Fair.

Each table is distinct and unique, marked by the qualities of a home far from home.  Volunteers and organizers have committed countless hours to the success of this event. Afternoon meetings, evenings, early mornings, and many partnerships have brought the day to what it will be. Exhibits representing Seniors, Art and Culture, Indigenous Peoples, and more, stand proudly showcasing the different sectors of our society.

Cultural participants have spent copious amounts of time and effort, even their own funds, to ready their table.  All this effort. All this time. All this energy to bring an unforgettable experience. An experience for our community to understand the fabric which stitches together who we are as a region. A chance for our young kids, our youth, adults, elders, and everyone in-between to share a common knowledge. All these moments in time to create an understanding of the world beyond our dusty borders.  It is an event not to be missed! On the very last Sunday of May…. WORLD FAIR! May 31, from 1pm to 5pm at Festival Plaza in Centennial Park- FREE for all! Just don’t forget your passport!

From its inception in 2011, World Fair has grown to become a featured event in Fort St John. Led by the principles of “GOOD IDEA FSJ,” focused on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility. World fair is an anti-racism initiative working to demystify cultures. World Fair is an impactful event with tangible ways for people to connect. Creating a safe space for actionable and accessible moments to meet our neighbours and see them in a different light. World Fair is celebrating humanity as a whole, rather than the sum of its parts.  

This year’s event is brought to life by the hardworking team at SUCCESS Fort St John. The Fair takes place on the final day of May. A Sunday afternoon, stretching from 1PM to 5PM, bringing community together in an impactful way. Cultural tables, stage performances, games, exhibits, community tables, activities and food trucks will decorate Festival Plaza in Centennial Park. Creating an opportunity for us to learn, appreciate diversity, and forge deep-rooted connections with our neighbours.

“Let’s get to know one another.” 

Sincerely,

Your neighbourhood Community Arts Council