2022 Saskatoon Folk Fest returns Thursday through Saturday
Jeeyu Birch is looking forward to performing traditional Korean music with her mom and two children at this year’s edition of the Saskatoon Folk Fest.
“We don't have a large Korean population here so we weren't able to hold an event big like this, but this year we can be part of this and we’re very excited about it,” she said.
Birch, who opened up the SK Korean Language School in Saskatoon in 2020, says after the Korean government donated traditional instruments including gongs and drums, she flew to Korea to learn how to play them properly.
Birch and her family will be at Merlis Belsher Place Thursday through Saturday at the newly created International pavilion.
Executive director Terresa Strohan says the theme is “Culture Unites”.
“There's something exciting, something unique, something special about people coming together and with such pride, being able to show what matters to them,” she said. “We tried to create a format where as many groups could join us as possible.”
“One of our new collaborative venues is bringing multiple cultures together, and I think that's where the “Culture Unites” theme is, that we're all coming together to once again share and celebrate culture in Saskatoon.”
Because of fewer volunteers coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s festivities will be scaled back. There will be 11 pavilions compared to 17 in 2019, the last time the event was held, with the popular Scottish and German pavilions not making an appearance.
The Folk Festival will also be moving away from paper passports.
“You can go to our website, www.saskatoonfolkfest.com, and purchase your E-passport,” said Strohan.
“You get unlimited admission to and from all the pavilions over the three days, access to the Folk Fest bus, but there's just no physical paper passport to purchase.”
Despite fewer people taking part, the opportunity to showcase their culture was one Birch and her family couldn’t pass up.
“Friday we will do a little fashion show, wearing Korean traditional costumes and our models, they’re mostly young children, they will represent how to play Korean traditional games on the runway, so that will be very interesting to watch,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
In his new book 'As Long as You Need', hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.