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AfroFest Sudbury celebrates culture and community

Celebrated on the shores of Ramsey Lake, the Aug. 27 event was filled with great music, food and the sounds of an entire continent

It was a celebration of heritage, culture, food and family at the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre in Bell Park on Aug. 27, one that not only featured vendors and musicians, but also, a dance party on the lawn. What more could you ask for on a sunny Sudbury Saturday? 

Attendees were treated to the sounds of musicians like Odosa, Chidinma and Simi, GQNumberone and local favourites Le0 and Lil Tenda. 

Speeches about African culture as well as activities for the family and even games like Ludo, Ayo, Ping Pong and Badminton were available for all, as were the vendors offering their wares. Everything from Somi’s Pepper Sass hot sauce to weaves and wigs from Lenghtz by Nikki - run by Nikki Simpson, who is also the name behind Flames Caribbean Kitchen and had their Fire Flame Jerk House Food Truck at the event. 

There were bright and colourful textiles from Buchi Hafrikana, as well as information booths like that of College Boreal. as well as NOBEEP, the Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment Program, offering information to Black entrepreneurs and business owners, or those who would like to start their own business. 

Though some technical difficulties prevented the parade from starting as scheduled, the love of culture, music and community more than made up for it with an amazing chance to dance on the lawn of Bell Park. 

For more information or to get set for next year’s event, visit their website, found here


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Jenny Lamothe

About the Author: Jenny Lamothe

Jenny Lamothe is a reporter with Sudbury.com. She covers the diverse communities of Sudbury, especially the vulnerable or marginalized.
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