A celebration of cultures draws crowds in Langley City

It was, Yvonne Hopp said, a “really important” event.

Hopp, founder and president of New Directions Vocational Testing Counselling Services, a Langley City-based English-language school for newcomers to Canada, was talking about the second annual “Global Fest,’ celebrated in Douglas Park Spirit Square on Sunday, Aug. 25.

“It’s bringing together [and] showcasing the culture and the diversity that Langley is,” said Hopp, who brought several of her students to the festival.

“We’re really happy to be part of it.”

New Directions was one of dozens of organization participating in the all-day event, presented by the Langley Local Immigration Partnership (LLIP)  with funding from the Langley Community Services Society,  Rotary Club of Langley Central, Langley City, the federal and provincial governments, and Refinish Vancouver.

Attendees could view cultural performances, sample international cuisine, shop local vendors and take part in family-friendly activities, as well access community resources.

While organizers didn’t have exact numbers, they estimated attendance had more than doubled from the first year.