Wagga police have applauded residents for a well behaved Fusion18 festival across the weekend.
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Thousands of residents and visitors filled Victory Memorial Gardens on Saturday evening, for a celebration of diversity.
But it was not only people filling the streets, with the aroma of spices, curries and exotic taste sensations infusing the heart of the city.
Residents spent the evening sampling the sensational food and experiencing music and dance from the many cultures that call Wagga home.
Amit Gupta, on Saturday said the event was “pumping”.
Thrilled to be part of the action, Mr Gupta – general secretary of the Wagga Indian Community – said it was the first time the group had been involved in the festival.
“People are loving it and we are selling our food like hotcakes,” Mr Gupta said. “It is homemade, authentic Indian food.”
Despite the chilly weather, he said it was a great evening.
With representatives of more than 110 countries living in Wagga, residents from Afghani to Zimbabwean, shared their traditions in a night of discovery and appreciation.
There really was something for everyone at the city’s annual celebration of multiculturalism.
Zaafer Afzal, a Sydney man working at Wagga Base said he was having a blast that night.
“It’s been really good and it’s nice to have multicultural events like this one,” he said. “I’ve tried some Sri Lankan food, some Turkish food and some Lebanese food. They should have things like this in Sydney.”
Ahcin Mayit, a volunteer at the Burmese bites stall, said it was their first time joining Fusion as a community.
“We cook honey chicken, fried rice, fried chicken,” she said. “It’s good and very fund and hopefully we can try some other food from other countries.”
Topping off the night’s win was the good behaviour of festival goers, according to police.
Sergeant Maggie Deall, of the Riverina Police District, said no incidents had been recorded across the evening and into the night.
“It’s always pleasing to hear,” Sergeant Deall said.
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