By the mid-afternoon, Assiniboia’s Ethnic Jubilee attracted more than 600 performers, attendees and children at the curling rink in the Prince of Wales Cultural and Recreation Centre with the crowd still growing as more came to the Ethnic Jubilee on October 19.
Also, as part of the Jubilee, the Lakota Nation had a tipi across the street from the centre with buffalo hide, buffalo skull art, beading and puppets on display. General admission to the Ethnic Jubilee was $5, with children aged six and under allowed in free. Speaking of children, the event coordinators provided a Kid’s Activity Corner at the Ethnic Jubilee from 2-4 p.m.
The opening ceremonies for the Jubilee began at 12:30. After the Parade of Nations, local dignitaries spoke a few words, including the Honourable David Marit, Minister of Agriculture. Marit is also the Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation and he’s the MLA for Wood River. Assiniboia Mayor Bob Himbeault gave a brief speech, where he took time to praise this region of south central Saskatchewan for hosting immigrants from various parts of the globe, including the Philippines. Moreover, Jubilee volunteer and Chamber of Commerce President Laurie Stianson welcomed the attendees and participants gathered at Assiniboia’s third biennial celebration of diversity and multiculturalism.
“People are really enjoying it,” Shawna Welder said. Welder had been stationed outside of the rink, where she sold tickets for the event. Since so many tickets had been sold by 3 p.m., the volunteers at the front door were wondering if they should go out and search for more.
Sharon Schauenberg, Co-chair and board member, was pleased with the enthusiasm shown by the volunteers and the guests at the curling rink on Saturday. “This is a fantastic event with many cultures and ethnicities represented.”
Wendy Garvik – one of the food vendors at the event from Fresh Start – was especially impressed with the Jubilee’s tempo. “It’s fast-paced,” she smiled, before serving another customer.
Nations from Burundi, Greece, Ukraine, Ireland and other parts of the world took turns on the stage performing their dances, with 15-minute changeovers from one act to the next. Although dance troupes dominated the afternoon event, there were exceptions, such as the Hibiki Taiko Drummers from Regina.
Taiko drummer itself might have has a multi-ethnic background, although it also has a mythological origin permeated with folklore. Some historical records have suggested taiko might’ve been introduced to Japan via Korean and China going as far as the sixth century. Also, historians found similarities with taiko drums and instruments originating from India. This style of Asian drumming might possibly show how the infusion of human cultures and art forms have produced unique traditions in performance and music.
The popular event held every two years in Assiniboia concluded with a gig by the Tilted Kilts Band from Regina, beginning at 8 p.m.
