Skip to content

A free, family-friendly, inclusive event

The Immigrant Welcome Centre hosts Global Fusion Fest March 8 at the Filberg Centre in Courtenay.
22058comox09fusion
Dancer Cathy Stoyko illustrates what you might find at Global Fusion Fest.

The Immigrant Welcome Centre is hosting Global Fusion Fest, a free, family-friendly and inclusive event that will take place March 8 from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. at the Filberg Centre in Courtenay.

“In celebration of the diversity in the community, the event features a variety of traditional music, dance, global food, art and hands-on crafts,” said Rachel Blaney, the executive director of the Immigrant Welcome Centre.

Music and dance planned for the day include performances from the Kumugwe Cultural Group (K'ómoks First Nation), Uzume Taiko (Japan), Mary Murphy (Irish music), and Esencia Flamenca (Latin music and flamenco dance).

The day ends with a dance showcase featuring Iranian, African, Ukrainian and more.

Global Fusion Fest also features hands on table workshops and crafts from NIC international students and local workshop facilitators including the NIC International Program and Restless Raven Art Lab.

Learn about unique craft traditions and participate in a community art project to express the spirit of the day. Local organizations and cultural groups will have interactive exhibits to share knowledge and traditions.

Be sure to come hungry. There will be local restaurants and caterers serving bite-sized tastes of Thai, Japanese, Greek, Mexican, Lebanese, Colombian, and Irish food. Tasting tickets will be on sale to purchase food samples for as little as $1.

Community Partners for this one-day event include North Island College, School District 71 International Program, Community Justice Centre, Volunteer Comox Valley and the Comox Valley Multicultural and Immigrant Support Society.

Bring the family to the heart of Courtenay for a fun-filled celebration of community.

If you want to be involved, there are still opportunities to get involved as workshop leaders and volunteers. Contact Jessica.Potter@ImmigrantWelcome.ca for details. For information about the event, look for Global Fusion Fest on Facebook.

The Immigrant Welcome Centre serves the Comox Valley, Campbell River and North Island. They provide services to immigrants to help them integrate and settle into Canada.

Over 600 clients have been served in the past year as immigration continues to bring innovative and skilled newcomers to the community.

— Immigrant Welcome Centre