Vibrant colors and sounds are set to dominate Calgary when Globalfest 2010 begins Friday, August 20, 2010. There will be plenty to enjoy throughout this nine-day celebration, which is comprised of the OneWorld Festival and the Calgary International Fireworks Festival.
60 Cultures Represented at Globalfest 2010's OneWorld Festival
One of the popular events at Globalfest is the OneWorld Festival. Attendees can explore the 24 cultural pavilions representing 60 cultures from around the globe. Many of the booths will feature ethno-cultural arts, crafts, jewelry, clothing, music and dance. Attendees can explore a multitude of activities, such as:
- drum making at the Black Powder Teachings Pavilion
- the martial art capoeira at the Brasil Pavilion
- Chinese calligraphy at the Chinese Merchants Association Pavilion
- the Chilean restoration efforts through "Together for Chile"
- dressing up and posing as a flamenco dancer or guitarist at the Spanish Pavilion
- tasting the many flavors of the world at the EthniCity Catering Food Kiosk
Shopping and Entertainment at Globalfest Calgary's Night Market
The Night Market at Elliston Park is a new addition to Globalfest. Each night, visitors can shop for ethnic cultural merchandise and try multicultural cuisine.
A variety of cultural performances will be featured on the OneWorld Café Stage. Some of the groups that will perform include the Samba Brasil Heritage Dance Group, Trinidad & Tobago Organettes Steelband, TAMCOARE Folk Group, St. Lucia Dancers, Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and The Calmeca Dancers.
Trico Homes International Fireworks Festival Schedule
Four nations will compete in the 2010 Trico Homes International Fireworks Festival:
- August 20: Germany (Steffes-Ollig GmbH & Co KG, Designer: Helmut Reuter)
- August 22: Italy (Parente Fireworks, Designer: Antonio Parente)
- August 24: Portugal (Macedo's Pirotecnia, Designer: Isaias Silva)
- August 26: Spain (Pirotecnia Turis S.L., Designer: Francisco Ribes Gallart)
Entries are judged on several criteria, including the quality, originally, scope, vibrancy and synchronization with music. A portion of the music used in the presentation must be native to the representing country. Each entry must also include the compulsory piece "Grand Pas de Deux" from Don Quixote (composed by Ludwig Minkus).
The finale performance on Saturday, August 28 will be presented by Globalfest, featuring Apogee Fireworks and Canadian Fireworks Master Alain Carbonneau. Apogee Fireworks has won numerous pyrotechnic competitions, including Fiori de Fuoco 2004, Fiori di Luce 2010 and Pyronale 2008.
Other Events and Activities at Globalfest 2010
Children attending Globalfest this year will enjoy spending some time at The Kiddies Korral. This special "kid-friendly" zone will have a family story area, arts and crafts and bouncy houses.
Albert Park/Radisson Heights will celebrate its Forest Lawn Homecoming Centennial Celebrations on Saturday, August 28. Festivities include a Flapjack Breakfast, BBQ, Centennial Birthday Cake and a VIP Tribute at Elliston Park.
Globalfest History
Globalfest is the brainchild of the Calgary Fireworks Festival Society and the International Avenue Arts and Culture Centre. The first Globalfest event featured 10 cultural pavilions as well as the Calgary International Fireworks Festival. It has taken place every August since 2003.
Globalfest has received several accolades over the years. Notable distinctions include winning the Immigrants of Distinction Award in 2008, the Top 100 Event by the American Bus Association in 2009 and a coveted White Hat Award.
Attending Globalfest 2010
All events will take place at Elliston Park in SE Calgary, which is located at the corner of 60 Street and 17 (International) Avenue SE. Attendees can both enter and park at 17 Ave. SE or 60 St. SE entrance. Handicapped parking is available at 23 Ave. SE and 52 Ave. SE.
Alternatively, attendees can catch the Southland Transportation Shuttle that runs to and from Marlborough Mall to Elliston Park. Shuttle transportation costs $6. Bike parking is also available.
General Admission costs $15/night. Children 5 years and under are FREE when accompanied by an adult. A Globalpass runs for $62.50 (while quantities last) and gives pass holders entry throughout the festival. Private Club Tickets cost $75 (only finale night packages left).
Tickets can be purchased at any Calgary Co-Op location and Marlborough Mall in advance. Once the event begins, tickets can also be purchased at the 7-Eleven located at 1704 – 61 St. SE.
As Globalfest is an outdoor evening event, attendees should dress for the weather and are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Only service dogs are permitted on-site.
Gates open at 6:00 PM every night. The Night Market and OneWorld Festival will be open from 6:00 – 9:00 PM.
Things to do When Visiting Calgary, Alberta
Summer is an exciting time in Calgary, Alberta. Locals and visitors can enjoy several other Calgary events running concurrently with Globalfest, such as the Calgary International Reggae Festival (August 19 – 21, 2010), Hootenanny at Heritage Park (August 21), Black Currant Harvest Festival (August 28) and the Highland Games in Okotoks (August. 28).
Calgary boasts a variety of tourist attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Notable attractions include Calaway Park, Heritage Park, Fort Calgary, Calgary Tower, Calgary Zoo, the Glenbow Museum, Spruce Meadows tournaments and the Calgary Stampede.
Visitors from out-of-town can check out The Best Calgary Hotels in Alberta, Canada and Budget Hotels in Calgary for accommodations in Calgary. For more information, check out Visiting Calgary, Alberta.
Globalfest 2010 begins on Friday, August 20, 2010 at 6:00 PM and runs until Saturday, August 28, 2010. This spectacular fireworks competition and multi-cultural extravaganza takes place at Elliston Park in SE Calgary.
Rhona-Mae Arca - Rhona-Mae is a Registered Music Teacher. She has an ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music, B.A. (Music) and ...
