Weather kind for festival goers

The weather was on the side of event organisers for the sixth annual Harmony Festival, with about 2500 people walking into the showgrounds on Sunday, March 9.

The festival highlights the benefits of being a multicultural community with an array of music, dancing and stalls for patrons to sample.

Crowds could kick their feet up and view an array of entertainment, from the Burundi Peace Choir, belly dancing and, the crowd favourite, the multicultural fashion parade.

Another hit was the array of food on offer, with many global cuisines represented, including Mexican, Malay and traditional Australian fish and chips.

Event co-ordinator and Shire of Katanning community development officer Juaini Taylor said organisers were learning something new each year when organising the festival.

“We believe the uniqueness of the event, being the cultural aspects that our local community brings, is what sets our event apart,” she said.

“This year’s popular attraction was the rock climbing wall. The queue was constantly long, with children eagerly waiting for their turn.”

Mrs Taylor is looking to the future, with ideas for next year’s event taking shape.

“Expect the festival to expand in the future, and we welcome the community to be part of this special event,” she said.

Katanning shire president Alan McFarland said the event was a success.

“It’s a way to show not just each others’ cultures but also the town as a whole,” he said.

“It just goes to show how the culture of an entire country is changing over time.”