World Culture Fusion Fest returns to North Bay
More than 20 artists representing different cultures are a part of this year's World Culture Fusion Fest in North Bay this weekend.
The two-day festival starts Saturday and wraps up Sunday night.
It is the second time the event has been held.
"This festival is about inclusion, it's about us as a human being, just a big family," said organizer Justine Gogoua.
"First Nations, your African descendants, your Latin Americans, your French Canadians, this is your festival. This festival, we've almost covered the whole planet, we're just missing China."
She said the festival is unique compared to others that are hosted in the city and the diversity is important.
"Our city is not as cold as people think, North Bay has a diversity," Gogoua said.
"We have made progress, but we still have a long way to go. You come to this festival, put your problems away, let them go, absorb the music. Nourish your soul and go home and say 'okay there is a life in this city.'"
Free, outdoor performances are being held at the community theatre on Main Street East on Saturday.
On Sunday, Franco-Fusion and the Green Hive Sessions are happening from 12 – 5 p.m. at 176 Lakeshore and Big Medicine Studios on Couchie Memorial Drive.
At 6 p.m., African All Stars Fusion will feature food, dance and music at the Lakeshore Drive location.
As the festivities get underway, planning for next year's event has already begun, she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
BREAKING Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Poilievre-led government 'would never' use notwithstanding clause on abortion, his office says
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
BREAKING 1 dead in rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont.; 5 others injured
Ontario Provincial Police confirm one person has died after a single-vehicle rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont. that seriously injured five others.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street