For the second year in a row, CultureFest has teamed up with the Harvest festival, and not even rain could stop them.

With 4H not participating in this year's festivities, CultureFest now has full reigns of the barn and means the event can grow even more significant.

Iris Bergen has seen the event grow into the community staple it is today over her five years volunteering. Not only does the CultureFest allow her to represent her own culture of Peru, but to learn about the other cultures in the Pembina Valley.

"It's a great experience; it's nice to be able to tell people about our country and how excited they get. They come with so many questions. I have a saying, 'I don't have to travel the world because the world is coming to our community.'"

Bergen says some of her favourite moments participating inCultureFest is wearing the unique and colourful clothing of her home country, and seeing how excited visitors get learning something new about a different culture.

Folklorama once again was among the many exciting entertainment options along with performers from Egypt, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and many more.

Alesha Hildebrand Volunteer and Integration Coordinator with Regional Connections says the new venue isn't the only significant change; this year the booths could now sell their wares, offering clothing, crafts, and prepackaged foods.

"We added this part as we felt that clients had a lot of talent to share with our community. Often they come with cultural talents and hobbies that they want to share with others, and it’s good when they can contribute the same way that other venues do during the festival. This was something that we did with them during our time in Bethel Park, and it was well-received by the volunteers as well as the community. We got feedback last year that it was a well-missed part of the event and was hoping to see it back again this year."

She adds CultureFest is the epitome of what Regional Connections stands for.

"We have over 130 countries who live in the Pembina Valley, so just being able to share and celebrate a few of them with our community is a great way of promoting diversity."

Hildebrand notes that another positive to their new location on the 4h grounds is how parking is right next to the venue.