Dancer performs at the Asian Heritage Festival in Lethbridge, May 28, 2022 (Photo: LNN)

By Mario Cabradilla

Asian Heritage Festival deemed a success by organizers

May 29, 2022 | 8:09 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Organizers say the 2022 Asian Heritage Festival hosted by the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association (SAEA) was a success. SAEA is a non-profit organization that represents many of the “ethnic societies and clubs” in southern Alberta.

The four-hour festival on Saturday, May 28, 2022 featured performances by the Canadian Bhutanese Society and the Indian Canadian Cultural Association, among many others.

Jackie French, Executive Director of SAEA, said it is important to celebrate the Asian Heritage Festival so that the community can learn about the various cultures in Lethbridge and the surrounding area.

“Here at the Multicultural Centre, we celebrate many cultural events and different cultures,” said French. “So, this [festival] is part of celebrating some of our Asian members and community members.”

French said that while the festival is a celebration of Canada’s Asian Heritage Month, it is an annual event for SAEA that many of its members look forward to.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

“They can come here and feel comfortable, and celebrate with peers,” she said.

Priya Bansal, a member of the Indian Canada Cultural Association of Lethbridge, agreed, “This is one of the events we look forward to, to showcase our culture [and] food.”

Bansal said they decided to offer gifts to children for the festival. “It seems kids are really enjoying the games and our food booth.”

Indian Heritage Association members made gifts to give to children at the 2022 Asian Heritage Festival in Lethbridge, May 28, 2022 (Photo: LNN)

For the last two years, the festival has been celebrated online due to COVID-19. With the easing restrictions, French said she is happy to be able to celebrate the festival this year in person and publicly.

“So far, it’s been a really great turn out and everything’s going awesome,” said French.

SAEA encourages the community to partake in its future cultural events.

Read more Lethbridge News Now.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.