By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

sharing the rich culture

Two-day Afro-Caribbean Festival comes to Red Deer this weekend

Jun 14, 2023 | 10:20 AM

This August 12 and 13 in Red Deer, take in the first annual Afro-Caribbean Festival, presented by the African Caribbean Centre of Central Alberta (ACCoCA).

The event will happen on Ross Street, from 50 Avenue to 49 Avenue, as well in nearby City Hall Park.

“The African and Caribbean communities here are growing and we want to share our rich history, whether it’s through entertainment, food, or a cultural fashion show, and really bring community together and showcase the talent in our communities, across central Alberta,” says Zainab Mohamoud, ACCoCA executive director.

“Similar festivals happen in Edmonton and Calgary, but not everybody can afford to go spend a weekend in Edmonton for that, so if we can bring something like this to Red Deer, it’ll be more affordable for the whole community.”

With Red Deer’s central location, the hope is also that many may come to the festival from across the province.

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Mohamoud says ACCoCA’s vision is for a socially cohesive and prosperous cultural diaspora within central Alberta, with it’s mission being to enhance the quality of life for all central Albertans.

“Gathering and celebrating are huge parts of our cultures, so we really wish to emphasize the importance and beauty of those things through art,” says Sabrina Samuel, ACCoCA board member.

“We have a great lineup in terms of artists, and it’s going to be very interactive. We really want to show people the dancing, so we have Reggae Tone from Calgary coming to teach right on the street, Melafrique Bank is our headliner, and we’ve got some others like Wes Kozy and Dean Ray, plus the African Queen from Edmonton.”

There will also be a vendor market, beer tasting, henna and other activities for the whole family, they note.

“With the growth of the community, a lot of people share with us about their lack of funding, employment, after school programs for kids and youths, lack of women’s programs,” Mohamoud adds. “Whether they’re moving from another province or they are newcomers, the organization itself is here to close the gap in addition to what’s already in the community. We want people who move to this city to feel at home.”

The event, which is targeting 10,000 attendees, runs from 12-8 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, and from 12-6 p.m. on Sunday, August 13.

Organizers are still looking for volunteers to help out during the festival, as well as sponsors and vendors.

For more information, email zainab.mohamoud@gmail.com or africancarribeancentreofca@gmail.com, or call 403-550-4067.

rdnewsNOW, as well as BIG105 and 106.7 REWIND Radio, are proud sponsors of this event.