A delicious new event hosted by the Multicultural and Heritage Association of Norfolk (MHAN) is coming to a dinner plate near you — get ready to expand your taste buds!
On Saturday, June 7th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Delhi Tobacco Museum will be transformed into a vibrant dining hall celebrating diverse culinary traditions from around the world. The Multicultural Food Festival, promises to showcase food from a wide variety of cultures — all right here in Norfolk County.
Judy Schaeffer, Vice-President of the MHAN, is one of the lead organizers of the festival. She gives us a closer look at what the event is all about.
Schaeffer, hasn’t planned this event alone. Alongside co-organizer Jon Kleopfer, the pair have created a food festival the entire Norfolk community can enjoy.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets, as there is limited indoor seating. However, there is plenty of space outdoors to enjoy your meal picnic-style on the grass or under tents.
Kleopfer gives us a small taste of the international dishes available at the festival.
The fun doesn’t stop with just food though. The festival will feature live music, artistic displays such as pottery, and a selection of dry goods and pantry items from various cultures available for purchase and to take home.
When brainstorming the concept for the festival, Schaeffer and Kleopfer wanted to focus on something that brings people together — and food was the natural choice. Kleopfer explains why they felt food was the ideal centrepiece.
This won’t be the first event hosted by the MHAN, but it’s certainly one of the most ambitious. Unlike previous events that focused on already well-represented cultures in Norfolk, this festival aims to celebrate and include cultures that have been underrepresented in past programming.
Schaeffer shares the steps the team has taken to make this event more inclusive and different from previous ones.
The Multicultural Food Festival is more than just a food fair — it’s a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and community. With authentic global flavours, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun, it’s a chance to connect with your neighbours in a whole new way.
Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 12. Food will be available through a ticket system, allowing attendees to sample multiple dishes throughout the day – from savoury favourites to sweet international treats.
Don’t miss out on this unique culinary and cultural experience — come hungry and leave inspired!
Written by Jeremy Hall and Georgia Chambers