It might have been the 2,000-passenger cruise ship stopping in next door, or it might have been the perfect weather, but the Multicultural Festival was packed with people this weekend.
Because of scheduling conflicts, the festival moved to the Halifax waterfront from Alderney Landing this year.
“We had more people here on Friday and Saturday than we’ve had in other years,” said Heather Ritchie, festival co-ordinator.
“Overall the festival has grown every year, and this year it has definitely grown more.
“It’s been a great year.”
Now that everything is over, organizers are going to figure out if the Halifax Seaport location across from Pier 21 is better for the festival.
But Ritchie said that they’ll look at more than just how many people filed through the gate.
“We’re not here to make loads of money, we’re here to make a good festival for everybody and just break even,” she said.
Opinions among vendors was mixed.
Abi Thana at the Tamil Association booth said the festival belongs in Dartmouth.
“It was bigger and I’m not a fan of the strip mall set up for the food booths,” she said.
Rui Yang at the Sushi Nami booth said she liked the fresh air for the food vendors and it was easier for people to walk up and down.
“I’ve never seen so many people in Halifax all together, so it was great,” she said.
