‘Taste the Culture - Bite and Delight’ brings diversity to the table in Wellesley

This trio shared the significance of their Indigenous heritage during the cultural celebration. Photo courtesy of Wendy Richardson

By Gary West

The second annual “Taste the Culture - Bite and Delight” event was a sold-out celebration of community, diversity and culinary exploration, drawing nearly 240 attendees to the Bill Gies Recreation Complex in Wellesley.

Building on the success of its inaugural year, the evening once again invited residents to experience the richness of Wellesley Township’s growing cultural landscape. Guests sampled traditional foods, learned about different customs and enjoyed vibrant displays of fashion, music and storytelling.

Event organizer Wendy Richardson said the evening was “about celebrating and learning about our neighbours from diverse cultures who now call Wellesley Township home.”

This year’s cultural ambassadors represented South Africa, Low German-speaking Mennonites from Mexico, Jamaica, First Nations Anishinaabe and Antigua and Barbuda. Each group shared food, traditions and personal stories, fostering understanding and connection among participants.

The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Wellesley Agricultural Society and community partners. Committee members included Mary Lichty-Neeb, Barb Nowak, Bea Borsato, Manni Hayer, Chloe Scott Abrar Alaskani and Wendy Richardson. Other key contributors were Nazia Khan, Puneet Hayer, Fiona Gilbert, Kristene Allison (Engage Rural), Brooke Giles (Waterloo Regional Library) and cultural ambassadors Connie Cunningham, Anna Wall, Kelly Welch and Tracelyn Cornelius.

Special thanks were extended to Theresa and Ron Bisch for their dedication in managing kitchen operations throughout the evening.

The event was established by the Wellesley Agricultural Society and supported by Engage Rural, the Waterloo Regional Library, the Waterloo Region Upstream Fund, the Waterloo Region Community Foundation and the Rural Equity Fund, with additional support from Community Care Concepts of Wilmot, Wellesley and Woolwich.