Back for its third year — there’s only one rule at the upcoming World Wide Food Festival: Bring your appetite.
The enticing aromas and mouth-watering flavours of such exciting and beloved cuisines like Japanese, Thai, Greek, Mexican, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Filipino and Mediterranean are just a sample of what awaits your taste buds.
Coquitlam-based non-profit Low Entropy Foundation, in partnership with title sponsor Prospera Credit Union, invites everyone to join the festivities on July 6 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Coquitlam's Town Centre Park, for a vibrant celebration of global cultures.
The World Wide Food Festival is a celebration of diversity and inclusion, where community and cultures connect over authentic cuisines, music and cultural performances.
"Everyone connects over food," says Noemi Victorino, director of fund development at Low Entropy Foundation. "The focus of multiculturalism in essence is simple — to raise awareness of the beauty of what each culture represents; we want people to celebrate each other and enjoy shared experiences."
"At Low Entropy, we serve both the under-resourced and the community and those who help the community. So, it's a win-win for everybody."
Emceed by wife-husband duo Miranda and Eli Wideski, (brother to Low Entropy's founder, Vanessa Wideski), the festival kicks off at 11 a.m., with an Indigenous land acknowledgment, and an introduction from local dignitaries, followed by words from Prospera's leadership team and other festival sponsors.
"We're very appreciative of Prospera's support for the second year from upper Burquitlam and Sunwood branches," says Victorino. "It's all about building community together."
Connection through cultural performers
Be enlightened and entertained by 14 cultural performances with lively dancers, musicians, and a tapestry of colourful costumes. Performances include:
- 11:35 a.m. – Cindy Yang Dance Academy (traditional Chinese dance)
- 12:00 p.m. – Welcome to Canada (cultural fashion show, traditional Iranian dance, Hindi song, traditional Chinese dance and folk song)
- 12:45 p.m. – Jane Wylie (Indigenous hoop and jingle dancing)
- 1:05 p.m. – FILIPINIANA Dance Group (Philippines folk dance)
- 1:30 p.m. – Shot of Scotch (Highland dancing)
- 2:00 p.m. – Hula Spirit (Polynesian dance)
- 3:05 p.m. – Joyce Malkomes (Brazilian artist, solo and duet performances)
- 3:25 p.m. – Prairie Wolf with Chika Buston (Celtic music, fiddler/acoustic guitarist duo)
- 4:00 p.m. – Grupo America (Latin dance)
- 4:25 p.m. – Damasco Soul System (South American reggae afro beats)
- 5:00 p.m. – Safari Lounge (West African drumming beats and dancer)
- 5:35 p.m. – Piel de Bronce (all-female Mexican dance group)
Extraordinary eats, refreshing drinks
Serving up tasty global staples and street comforts, the culinary reach has grown to include 24 food vendors with returning favourites like JAPADOG, Holy Taco & Mexi Eats, and The New Taste Wraps.
"This year we were intentional about food selection to ensure we have a good cross section of cuisines representing a variety of culinary traditions," says Victorino.
Indulge in options from Cazba Persian Grill, Little Lebanon Eats, Old Country Pierogi, Ping Thai BBQ, and Tatchan Noodle, just to name a few, and treats like Little Pisces (taiyaki and soft-serve), Betty’s Greek Honey Ballz, and Kona Ice of Chilliwack (gourmet shaved ice).
There'll be a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, too, like Middle Eastern drinks from Sharbat Vancouver, and PoCo's Booze-Free Bevees.
Market stalls, kid's zone
Shop 'til you drop at the 78-plus stalls marketplace, bringing together local service providers and artisans, including a collab with Granville Flea – a pop-up market of 16 vintage clothing vendors. Expect a wide variety of independent makers and creatives featuring arts and crafts, and more.
"What I like about the market vendors is that they represent small- and medium-sized businesses, mostly from the Tri-Cities," reveals Victorino.
Children will have a blast in the Kid's Zone with exciting activities and games, assisted by Parkland Players, plus, a bouncy castle, face painting, and mascots, so everyone leaves with fond memories.
"We're hoping to double our attendance from last year of 4,000-5,000," says Victorino. "So, come out and capture the magic of culturalism immersion through an array of food and family-friendly fun."
For more information, visit lowentropy.org
