Account Login/Registration

Access KelownaNow using your Facebook account, or by entering your information below.


Facebook


OR


Register

Privacy Policy

Journey 'round the planet on Feb 25 as popular OneWorld Festival returns to live format

It was one of the last large-scale happenings to be held in Penticton -- or anywhere else for that matter -- before COVID shut down virtually everything in March of 2020.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia/Gord Goble</who> Scene from March 2020 festival

Ever since, the annual event has soldiered on as a stripped down "virtual" replica of its former self, with little of the fanfare or excitement of the real deal.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia/Gord Goble</who> Scene from March 2020 festival

But just three months from now on Feb. 25th of 2023, barring any more societal crises, it's making a comeback.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia/Gord Goble</who> Scene from March 2020 festival

That’s the day when South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services (SOICS) once again presents the live and in-person version of the marvelous multicultural extravaganza known as the OneWorld Festival.

OneWorld has long been a fave of PentictonNow, not just because it's a great way to expand horizons, chow down on awesome international food and hang with a progressive crowd, but also because it comes at the end of winter.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia/Gord Goble</who> Scene from March 2020 festival

When the OneWorld Festival is here, you know spring is right around the corner.

"Yes, finally, in person," said SOICS' Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator Elmira Galiyeva Wednesday morning. "We're so excited that it'll be in person again."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia/Gord Goble</who> Scene from March 2020 festival

There's no word so far on the number of entertainers, exhibitors and vendors for the 2023 event, because SOICS just announced it. But we do know it will unfold, as always, in the spacious East Ballroom of the Lakeside Resort.

"We're just starting to line up vendors and exhibitors right now," said Galiyeva. "But it'll be huge as always. I think it could be the biggest ever."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia/Gord Goble</who> Scene from March 2020 festival

Potential participants, advised Galiyeva, should have a strong desire to "showcase their culture, whether they're a performer or vendor."

And she had a few more words of wisdom for those considering involving themselves.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia/Gord Goble</who> Scene from March 2020 festival

"We do celebrate our diversity," she said, "and that's what people think when they hear about it. But with the festival we're also helping newcomers who are thinking of starting their own business to actually start.

"At the festival, they get recognized. Maybe they can give out business cards for their home-based business. Maybe they get inspired and think 'Hey, I can do that.'"

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia/Gord Goble</who> Scene from March 2020 festival

For more info on SOICS or the OneWorld Festival, head here or call 250-492-6299.



If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.

If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.


Send your comments, news tips, typos, letter to the editor, photos and videos to news@kelownanow.com.



Weather
webcam icon

weather-icon
Wed
-2℃

weather-icon
Thu
-2℃

weather-icon
Fri
-1℃

weather-icon
Sat
1℃

weather-icon
Sun
2℃

weather-icon
Mon
-3℃

current feed webcam icon

Recent Livestream




Top Stories

Follow Us

Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Linkedin Follow us on Youtube Listen on Soundcloud Follow Our TikTok Feed Follow Our RSS Follow Our pinterest Feed
Follow Our Newsletter
Privacy Policy