On Saturday October 13th, Aldergrove Library and Aldergrove Community Centre celebrated their 4th annual Diwali (festival of lights) with a huge success. It was well organized, well presented, and well received. Hundreds people participated, clapped, cheered, and danced to the beat of many cultures. There were around 50 dancers from 7 different cultures who performed 22 dance items to entertain the community. Grace Makarewicz, Manager of Langley Libraries welcomed the audience. Langley Township Councillors Grant Ward, and Mel Kositsky conveyed their wishes to the Indo-Canadian community for a happy Diwali.
For pictures: http://www.pictopia.com/perl/gal?process=gallery&gallery_id=23873&provider_id=634
The Diwali celebration offered local residents an opportunity to enjoy a variety of multicultural activities such as Mehndi, face painting, music, dance, food and crafting in a festive atmosphere. Cupcake the Clown entertained the children with balloons, surprises, magic and games. The entertainment program was started with Mexican dances by Sonia and Maricela (Intercultural Harmony Society), and followed by an Aboriginal dance by William Visser. Gurdip Arts Academy performed girls and boys Bhangra and Punjabi Dhol. Raks Almeh presented Middle Eastern Belly dance, and then Dance Trance Dancing School & Talent Agency performed ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and lyrical dances. Langley Family Services performed Japanese folk dance. Native Indian dancer Shyama Pryia entertained the people with her unique dances. The audience started dancing when Sada Virsa Sada Gurav Bhangra Club Abbotsford performed Punjabi folk dance Bhangra. There were a number of chances when our audience danced in groups. Performers and sponsors were honoured during the festival, and prize draws were popular.
Participants and guests alike were pleased to take part in such a lively and entertaining local event. At the end of the program, Manager Grace Makarewicz and Community Librarian Sarwan Singh Randhawa thanked the audience, sponsors and performers.
~~~SPONSORS~~~
A & W Aldergrove
Aldergrove Star
Langley Advance
McDonald’s Aldergrove & Seven Oaks Abbotsford
Otter Co-Op
Super Canadian Pizza Ltd.
~~~Performers~~~
Dance Trance
Gurdip Arts Academy
The Intercultural Harmony Society
Langley Community Services Society
Raks Almeh: Middle Eastern Belly Dance Troupe
Renuka Goodapati
Sada Virsa Sada Gaurav Bhangra Club Abbotsford
Shyama Priya
White Buffalo (William Visser)
