Around the World in Central Huron: One community, many flavours celebrate local heritage

Lester Wilfie proudly stands behind his vibrant Hungarian showcase.

The Central Huron Community Centre was filled with the aromas of spices, fresh baking, and international cuisine on Saturday, April 25.

Residents gathered for a multicultural celebration in support of the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation. The event invited guests to sample traditional dishes from around the world while learning about the cultures that help shape the region.

Organized by the Municipality of Central Huron, with support from the Huron County Immigration Partnership, the evening highlighted local diversity while raising funds for a vital community cause.

This year’s celebration featured an expanded lineup of cultures representing Ireland, Barbados, Morocco, Ukraine, Scotland, Hungary, Germany, India, Holland, the Philippines, Poland, Jamaica, and Canada. Each table was hosted by local families, offering not only food, but also personal stories and connections to their heritage.

Kimberly Boyce joined the event for a second time, a Barbados-born entrepreneur who has lived in Canada for more than a decade. Proudly representing her roots, Boyce drew steady interest with traditional Barbados dishes.

“We came out to represent Barbados,” she said.

“It’s important for people to see who we are through our food, our colours, and our culture.”

Her menu featured codfish cakes, a staple in Barbados cuisine, along with pumpkin fritters that quickly became a crowd favourite.

“Fish cakes are a delicacy back home,” Boyce explained.

“We boil the salt out of the codfish, shred it, mix it with fresh herbs, flour, and baking powder, then deep fry them. They’re perfect for parties.”

She added with a laugh that the popular snack has earned a playful nickname in Caribbean culture.

“We call them ‘rum soakers.’ If you’re having a good time, they help balance things out.”

Her pumpkin fritters—made with mashed pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour before being fried—offered in a sweet contrast and sold out before the evening ended.

Across the room, another booth carried a deeply personal meaning. Pamela Stanley, joined by her sister Sibyl Henderson, presented Scottish and Yorkshire-inspired baked goods and dessert in honour of their parents.

This year’s display held added significance following the passing of their mother in January.

“Last year, we focused on Yorkshire for our dad,” Stanley said.

“This year, we wanted to honour our mom’s Scottish roots—but still include something for Dad too.”

Their table featured Scottish scones with marmalade, Yorkshire lemon fairy cakes, and traditional shortbread—nearly all of which sold out.

“I made so much shortbread,” Stanley said with a smile. “And it’s almost all gone.”

For Stanley, the event is about more than food—it reflects a lifelong appreciation for cultural connection.

“Growing up in an Air Force family, we were always traveling,” she said.

“We spent time in England and France, and that really shaped how we value sharing traditions.”

 At the Hungarian booth, Lester Wilfie served chicken paprikash with spätzle, a hearty dish made with chicken, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and rich broth. He said the recipe is a tribute to his late father.

“It reminds me of my old man,” Wilfie said.

“He was Hungarian, so I’ve been an honorary Hungarian.”

Having participated last year as well, Wilfie noted strong community interest and returning visitors.

“A lot of people came back,” he said.

“That’s what you want—to see people enjoy it and come again.”

When asked what he hopes attendees take away from the evening, his answer was simple: “Remember to come next year.”

Catherine Pitro, who attended with a friend, said she enjoys the opportunity to explore new cuisines while connecting with the community.

“I love different culture foods, and it’s just a nice time to get out in the community,” acknowledging everyone can bond over food.

She said, this was her second-year attending. Pitro also observed that this year’s event felt busier. Also in attendance was Tosha Yantzi, Executive Director of the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation, who praised both the turnout and the event’s impact.

“It’s wonderful that the municipality directs the donations from this event to the foundation,” Yantzi said.

“It’s a great community event that really shows how diverse Central Huron is. To see everyone come together like this is truly special.” 

Yantzi noted that this year’s event appeared even busier than last year, crediting word-of-mouth and the addition of new cultural booths.

“People who came last year loved it and brought friends,” she said. “You can really see that growth.”

She emphasized the importance of events like this in strengthening community ties.

“It’s a great way to showcase the cultures that make up who we are,” Yantzi said.

“That’s what makes this community so unique.”

The event was free to attend, with donations collected at the door in support of the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation.

Funded in part by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the evening served as a celebration of cultural identity.  

As attendees shared food, conversation, and music, the message of the evening was clear: diversity continues to enrich small-town Clinton in meaningful—and delicious—ways.