Members of the Gouverneur, New York, High School Wildcat Marching Band parade through West Zwick’s park en route to the official opening ceremony of the Belleville Waterfront and Ethnic Festival on Thursday afternoon. (Photo: Brock Ormond, Quinte News.)
A Greek dance crew performs traditional dances at the opening ceremonies of the 32nd annual Belleville Waterfront and Ethnic Festival. (Photo: Brock Ormond, Quinte News.)
The 32nd annual Belleville Waterfront and Ethnic Festival at Zwick’s Park has officially started.
The four-day event kicked off Thursday with the Parade of Nations, featuring a marching band from Governeur, New York, marching from the front gate down through to the Pavilion Mainstage, where the official opening ceremonies took place.
CEO of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce Bill Saunders led off a group of speakers, which included former Mayor of Belleville and current Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis, Quinte Ethnic Council chairwoman Brigitte Kasprzak and Belleville councillor Garnet Thompson, among many others.
Hastings Prince Edward MPP Todd Smith said he was impressed with the cultural impact that the festival has had on the city of Belleville and surrounding areas.
Susan Walsh, Special Event Coordinator of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce and the main organizer of the festival, echoed Smith’s statements. She also said how well the festival has been supported throughout the 32 years and what a great event it is for families.
Other opening ceremony highlights included current Miss Teen South Central Ontario Isabella Rapino encouraging people to vote for her and help her become Miss Teen Canada. A crew of dancers also performed traditional Greek dances for the crowd.
The festival continues on throughout the weekend with many entertainment options available, such as the midway, live music, rides and a children’s village. There is also lots of great international food to eat at the ethnic village and vendors lane.
The festival wraps up Sunday at 5 p.m.
