'Epic' weekend at first-ever Afro Vibe Fest in Thunder Bay, Ont., say organizers
Two-day event ran at Marina Park Saturday and Sunday
Thunder Bay's first-ever Afro Vibe Fest was a big hit, according to organizers.
The two-day celebration of African culture ran at Marina Park over the weekend. Even Saturday's rainfall couldn't keep people away, festival director Liliane Breiland said in an interview with CBC News on Sunday.
"It was epic here," she said. "People were dancing in the rain."
The festival included cultural activities and demonstrations, with a kick-off parade featuring people in African cultural and ceremonial attire.
There were food and merchandise vendors, information booths, and live performances by six-time Juno Award winner Exco Levi, Toronto djembe drummer Ngasseu Kamga, as well as local DJs and dancers.
Rose Viel is the executive director of Centr'Elles, which offers services to French-speaking women in Thunder Bay affected by violence. She was at the festival to raise awareness about the organization's inclusion of immigrants in its programs.
"We thought it was very important to be here today to support Liliane and what she does, and to support the community that is newly here," Viel said. "We think that it's an amazing opportunity to come and participate."
She said the festival overall was "pretty amazing."
"I think diversity, inclusivity is very important," she said. "We have to respect everyone … this is why this type of event is good."
Charles Chamirai Nyabeze is the CEO of Sudbury's Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment Program, which was one of the sponsors of this year's Afro Vibe Fest.
"I think it's been amazing," he said at Marina Park on Sunday. "I've met so many Black entrepreneurs here, and so many people that support Black entrepreneurs."
"Mentors, people that can be sponsors, advisers, partners," Nyabeze said. "Really vibrant community. I love it."
Breiland said she's looking ahead to next year's Afro Vibe Fest, and has already been approached by some potential new sponsors.
"I'm just speechless," she said. "I just have to say thank you to the big community for believing."