The Aspell siblings (from left) Taryn, Scott and Teagen were busy rehearsing Monday evening for their Ukrainian dance performance at Harvesting Diversity. Training and choreographing them is Grant Storzuk, a chamber of commerce board member and physiotherapist who is also a world-class Ukrainian dancer. (Richard McGuire photo)
Dance troupes are busy rehearsing for this Saturday’s Harvesting Diversity multicultural event sponsored by the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce (SOCC).
Cheryle King, the chamber member organizing the event, said last week that many of the 250 tickets for the event have been sold, but many were still available.
Harvesting Diversity showcases the food, dance and music of several cultures – both First Nations and immigrant – involved in local agriculture.
These are Portuguese, Indo-Canadian, First Nations, Mexican and Ukrainian.
Among the dancers are the Indo-Canadian Dancers (students from Oliver schools), Caudillos del Sur (Mexican Dance Ensemble), Okanagan First Nations Dancers, as well as Portuguese and Ukrainian dancers.
The Ukrainian dancers are being trained by Grant Storzuk, a local physiotherapist, SOCC board member and world-class Ukrainian dancer.
Casey Brouwer, a Town of Osoyoos employee and basketball coach, will be MC at the event. Mayor Sue McKortoff will welcome guests.
There is a buffet dinner of foods from the different cultures. Guests are encouraged to wear regalia and outfits from their cultures.
The event takes place at the Sonora Community Centre and doors open at 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7. Tickets are $35 and are available from Office Pro and the SOCC.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
