Second annual #YQG Togetherfest brings ‘something different’ to Windsor-Essex

The second annual #YQG Togetherfest brought different showings of multiculturalism to the Toldo Lancer Centre over the weekend. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

The second annual #YQG Togetherfest brought different showings of multiculturalism to the Toldo Lancer Centre over the weekend.

Put on by the Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA) and the Rotary Club of Windsor-WIDE, the two-day event featured vendors, entertainers, and artisans from different backgrounds.

Patrick Kelly, co-chair of the event, said the festival serves as a “celebration of the tapestry” of different cultural backgrounds present in Windsor-Essex.

“We’re not just a craft show, we’re not a health fair, we’re not a fitness event. The idea is all of these are important components to Windsor Essex that we think need to be represented,” Kelly said.

From a dog show by the Border City Barkers Agility Club, to a Viking village, Kelly said they bring “something different” to the region.

This year, Kelly said there’s a focus on combatting stigma around mental health.

“We know there’s a lot of stigma around mental health, and wellness, and the fear of accessing services,” he added.

The festival included different mental health and community agencies, as well as local artists to help spur conversations around mental health.

“Just to kind of brake that stigma and bring it to a place where you feel comfortable,” Kelly added.

Through the festival, Kelly said they hope to cut down on the division in the community and open the eyes of residents to what other cultures have to offer.

While he said there was a good turnout in its second year, Kelly hopes to see an even larger in attendance next year, so they can continue breaking down barriers in the community.