Get ready to turn up the heat on culture in Prince George.
Heatwave – Celebrate Cultures will take place downtown June 21-23 and will showcase and celebrate the multitude of different cultures in the city.
As part of the Celebrate PG grant program funded jointly by Tourism Prince George and the City of Prince George, and with funding support from The Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage in the amount of $75,000, Prince George will host to the brand new cultural festival next month.
“On behalf of city council, it is my pleasure to announce Heatwave – Celebrate Cultures,” said Mayor Lyn Hall. “The aim of this event is to highlight Prince George as a welcoming, multicultural, diverse, and inclusive community.”
Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS) has partnered with Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Le Cercle des Canadiens Français de Prince George, and the Prince George Folkfest Society to enhance and connect a series of pre-existing family-friendly community events to create a signature event that celebrates culture.
“We are very pleased to be working with community partners to enhance and showcase many cultures,” said IMSS Executive Director Ravi Sexena. “There are many ways for cultural associations, groups, families, or individuals to get involved, showcase, and celebrate their culture: with interactive information booths, vending, music, dances, art, food, and even a traditional dress fashion show.”
This annual event will provide free, high-calibre nightly entertainment in Canada Games Plaza to anchor a weekend festival that promotes cultural understanding, social connectedness, and community pride. The event will be held June 21-23, and will connect National Indigenous Peoples Day, IMSS’ Day of Cultures, and the Saint-Jean Baptiste Day. There will be daytime events in Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park for National Indigenous Peoples Day and all other events will take place in Canada Games Plaza. The Prince George Folkfest Society (the organizers of Coldsnap) will provide entertainment spanning the three evenings and connecting the music to the cultural festivities.
“The value and economic impact these multi-day events bring to our community is significant for hotels, restaurants, and the Prince George economy,” said Tourism Prince George CEO, Erica Hummel. “Heatwave – Celebrate Cultures will attract regional visitors and will help increase over-night stays. In addition, it will provide more activities for local residents to attend, and more reason for out of town family and friends to visit,” says Hummel.
Upcoming event details and performance schedules will become available on www.celebratepg.com in the following weeks.
If you are interested in participating as an exhibitor, vendor, or performer, please contact IMSS at 250-562-2900 or visit www.imss.ca.