(rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

"a memorable moment"

Stunning parade of flags kicks off Afro Caribbean Fest in Red Deer

Aug 12, 2023 | 4:31 PM

It was a sight to behold in downtown Red Deer on Saturday, Aug. 12 as the flags of African and Caribbean nations were held high in a beautiful parade of colour.

All of it was to celebrate the first Afro Caribbean Fest, which is taking place Aug. 12 (12-8) and Aug. 13 (12-6) on Ross Street downtown.

Zainab Mohamoud, founder of the African Caribbean Centre of Central Alberta, spoke to rdnewsNOW shortly after festivities got underway.

“I am so proud for the support of the community that has made this a reality,” she said. “The whole community coming together makes me shiver. It’s a memorable moment and I hope for so many years we can celebrate.”

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For Mohamoud, the event is years in the making, the crowd heard.

Mayor Ken Johnston also spoke, calling the event an opportunity.

“For me, and I think for all of us in Red Deer, this is an opportunity for us to be able to show that pride, that oneness and uniqueness that we have in central Alberta,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to really prove and show that we are as welcoming as we would really want to be.”

The event’s kick-off was punctuated by a mesmerizing rendition of O’Canada in English, French and Blackfoot, performed by Tsuaki Marule, who is an instructor at Red Crow Community College in southern Alberta. Marule is of South African and Blackfoot heritage.

Many vendors are on site both days of the festival, with tables and tents for food lining the middle of Ross Street outside City Hall. There is beer tasting, henna, and live music that you don’t want to miss, among many other family-oriented activities.

An after party goes Saturday night from 9-midnight.

rdnewsNOW, BIG105 and 106.7 REWIND Radio are the proud media sponsors of this event.