The Filipino community in Timmins is getting ready to celebrate the fifth annual Filipino Fiesta this weekend, with a day of food, dancing and cultural activities downtown. The celebrations got underway Friday with a Filipino flag-raising ceremony at Timmins city hall. The fiesta takes place Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. with a parade, before moving into a full day of entertainment and food in front of Lady Luck Restaurant, 33 Balsam St. South. Organizers said the event is open to the entire community and is an opportunity to share Filipino culture with people across Timmins. “We want everyone to get to know each other,” said Estela Chow of the Filipino Association in Timmins. “This is our home now, too.” Free food will be available, with organizers preparing more than 1,000 barbecue skewers and 1,000 spring rolls. Other Filipino favourites will also be served, including fried rice and Filipino hot dogs. The event also emphasizes younger generations. Organizers are involving young dancers as part of an effort to ensure Filipino culture and traditions continue.
