Long-time workers honoured at Festival of Guest Nations

By Paul Forman

Leamington’s Seacliff Park was alive with the sounds and smells of the world as the Festival of Guest Nations once again celebrated diversity on the afternoon of September 15. Now an annual event, the festival focuses on the guest workers in the area, thanking them for the sacrifices they make and the contributions that they make to both the community and economy.

Multiple musical acts took the stage on the Sunset Amphitheatre, many food trucks were on hand to feed the patrons and health service providers were on site as the festival also incorporated a public safety information element.

Martin Verela, Chairman of the Migrant Worker Community Program, estimated that over 1,700 people would attend this year’s festival. Verela said, “We’ve had this festival for over 15 years and we are very proud of our workers.”

With worker pride in mind, this year’s festival held a special ceremony to honour guest workers who have worked 30 seasons or more in the local farming community. Political dignitaries and the heads of various farming organizations in attendance watched as 45 workers in total were formally recognized for their long-time contributions by the Mexican Consulate and the Municipality of Leamington on the amphitheatre stage.

Chairman Verela wanted to also communicate that the festival welcomes all comers to the celebration. “Besides the workers, we had a lot of people come in from the community,” he said. “We want everyone to enjoy the food and music that our festival offers.”