The Kincardine Multicultural Celebration will mark its 21st year on Tuesday, May 12 as it brings food, music, and cultural displays from around the world to the Davidson Centre.
The free event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and is expected to draw more than 1,000 people.
Founder Chandra Tripathi says the celebration started in 2003 after he moved to Kincardine from Toronto with his children and saw a need for more cultural connection in a small community.
"I realized in a small community that this kind of thing, where we can think about breaking all barriers and building bridges, was something that could be done," Tripathi said.
The first event was held at Huron Heights Public School with just a few countries represented and roughly 100 attendees. Two decades later, it has grown into one of Kincardine’s signature community gatherings.
Tripathi says this year’s event will feature about 25 booths representing more than 15 countries from across all continents, including India, China, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Italy, and Australia.
Each booth will showcase cultural stories, traditions, and displays, but Tripathi says food remains at the centre of the experience.
"The most important part of the event is the food," he said. "The entry is free and the food is also free."
He says volunteers will again prepare large quantities of food, including about 600 samosas as part of the offerings.
Tripathi describes the celebration as a space for connection and inclusion.
"It’s bringing the people together for friendship, for food, for family, and everyone is inclusive," he said.
When asked what he would say to someone who has never attended, Tripathi didn’t hesitate.
"I would say that you have really missed what you make a time, and you only have to bring yourself," he said. "Diversity is not just a difference, it’s all about coming together to honour each other."
He added that the goal is simple: build understanding and community through shared experience.
"When we embrace people’s culture and respect, we truly build unity, foster peace and build the community," he said.
Tripathi says support from community partners, including Bruce Power, local schools, and the Municipality of Kincardine has helped the event grow over its 21-year history.
