Many Ottawa families are exploring different cultures and traditions on another sunny July weekend in the nation’s capital. The 4th annual Ottawa Tamil Fest is taking place at Clarke Fields Park, celebrating traditional food, clothing, music and performances along with dozens of vendors. “I have children that are half Tamil,” said Primrose Watson, who was attending the festival with her family. “We just moved to Ottawa from Nova Scotia and for me, it’s important that my children understanding and their ancestors and their history and their culture.” “We’re here showcasing our culture, our language, bringing it to the people of Ottawa and giving the community an opportunity to come together and celebrate,” said Anu Joseph, Secretary of The National Capital Region Tamil Association (NCRTA). The festival will cap off on Saturday with a cultural dance light show. Closer to downtown, the VegOttowa Fest at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre is celebrating vegan living. “Almost 60 different vendors selling food and cosmetics and art and all kinds of different things that are sustainable and compassionate and healthy and animal friendly,” said Riana Topan, the festival’s director. Live music, advocacy groups, resources, speaker presentations and a fitness competition are among the activities. “This is a wonderful, good operation that they have going on here with so much here for food, cosmetic products. There’s just everything its amazing. All of these people are like minded. They just want to include more vegetables in their lives. Get healthy, get active and help save the environment,” said attendee Carrie Jones. The family-friendly event is open to everyone, both for longtime vegans or those just trying it out for the first time. “There’s all kinds of things out there that, are a lot healthier for us and nice to the animals and better for the environment,” said Alan Wong, president of the group VegOttawa. The Kanata Night Market also returns to Hazeldean Mall with delicious Asian-inspired street food and handcrafted goods throughout the weekend. The festival runs until 8 p.m. Sunday.
