Cochrane's CommUNITY Picnic is occurring this Sunday afternoon (August 27) at Cochrane Ranche Park.
Hosted by the Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee the picnic will highlight Cochrane's cultural diversity through dance, displays, and musical performances.
Candy Weisner, Programmer for Family Community Support Services, says to kick off the celebration they will be performing a citizenship service for 25 new Canadians.
"It will be piped in by Susan Flowers. That starts with 25 people becoming new citizens right here in Cochrane, which will be under the beautiful sunlight and it will be a spectacular day."
Around 1 pm immediately following the citizenship service; activities and entertainment throughout the park will begin.
Helmer Twoyoungmen, a Stoney elder, will be performing with his sons followed by Indian dancing by the Sikh community. There are so many cultural groups and organizations being set up throughout the Cochrane Ranche Historic Park that breaks between main stage entertainers will occur.
"There are so many crafts, activities, games. Everything from hula hooping, to how to tie a turban, Chilean rainsticks, to plotting where your ancestors came from on a map of the world which is quite spectacular by the end of the afternoon to see the dots all around the world."
Other cultural groups performing will be the Latino and Phiilipno communities.
Weisner encourages families to bring a picnic lunch and immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience which celebrates Cochrane's diversity. "We are welcoming people who are new to our community but we're also just celebrating together as Canadians, as Cochranites. We are a welcoming and inclusive community and we get that spirit of unity which is there in the name CommUNITY."
The free event runs from 12 pm to 4 pm, and Weisner anticipates the event will only grow over time with increased interest by a variety of cultural groups. "Bring your own picnic, share with others and just enjoy the afternoon."
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