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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 12, 2007 - 25 Artscene Oakville Beaver · WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2007 25 Carousel of Nations celebrates diversity By Krissie Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF The art, food and traditional entertainment of 10 different nations will be on display during a celebration of Halton's diversity on Saturday, Oct. 20. It's the ninth annual Carousel of Nations Fall Festival, which will see the representation of cultural groups from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Croatia, India, Arabic nations, Hawaii, Poland, Taiwan, Russia and the Ukraine. Thursday saw the launch of the festival at Town Hall. "Culture is one of our most valuable assets. If you think about it, it's who we are," President of the Carousel of Nations Multicultural Association DEREK WOOLLAM / OAKVILLE BEAVER Veronica Tyrell told a crowd of more than 30 gathered for the launch. They got a sneak peak at just some of what the festival will offer on Oct. 20. Guests were greeted by the sounds of a steel drum, and after words from several local dignitaries, the evening ended with singing and dancing performances by five groups in colourful costumes. Latin America, Arab nations, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Taiwan were represented through these performances. The Carousel of Nations Fall Festival was founded in 1999 by the United Way of Oakville to celebrate the heritage of various cultural groups in See Five page 29 JOIN THE CAROUSEL: Performers from the Chiffon Dance Studio entertained officials during the launch of the Carousel of Nations Fall Festival at Oakville Town Hall last Thursday.