By David F. Rooney
January ends with a bang this Saturday, January 31, as the Carousel of Nations explodes with music, dance and a delicious medley of international cuisines.
This very popular family event at the Community Centre begins at 4 pm and, until 7, will throb with the Latin-Funk sound of Santa Lucia, Scottish tunes by the Revelstoke Highlanders and dances by Li Jigeurs Mechif, First Nations’ Hoop Dancer Teddy Anderson and the Hula Halau Ke Aloha Polynesian Dancers. You can even be a musical star yourself with Karaoke event sponsored by Stoke FM and Revelstoke Youth in the adjacent Seniors’ Centre.
There are plenty of things to fascinate younger children — interactive games and activities, crafts such as making Cuban maracas, Hawaiian leis, African masks, Japanese origami and Russian Faberge-style eggs.
Bring an appetite, ’cause there’s lots of food.: Chinese from Kevin’s Kitchen; Indian and German from Paramjit’s Kitchen; Jamaican by the Jerk Jamaican Girls; Korean by Maimi’s Korean Food; Aboriginal by SD 19 Aboriginal Education; Vietnamese from Minh Tuvet’s Vietnamese Bistro; Eastern European foods prepared by the Revelstoke Legion; and French Canadian specialties from the Group Culturel Francophone. $3 bucks will buy a sample plate any one of these stalls so bring cash. You’ll need it.
If you’re thirsty there’s Fair Trade coffee, Chinese tea and cold beverages available to wash down your meal.
And, if you feel like shopping, there will be a fine selection of Cambodian wares, Bangladeshi baskets, Indian soaps and pottery by the Hungry Potters’ Guild for you purchase.
The Carousel of Nations is easily one of the very best — and unique — events that Revelstoke has to offer. It is imaginative, absorbing and a heck of a lot of fun. What’s more, admission is FREE.
On a final note about this event, the Hula Halau Ke Aloha Polynesian Dancers are offering a FREE hula-dancing class at the Community Centre on Sunday, February 1 from 10:30 am until noon. Advance registration for this particular event at the Community Centre’s main desk is strongly recommended.
