The minority groups that continue to establish in this area are like bits and pieces of a giant puzzle scattered all over Simcoe County.

“You (the Latin) are the largest growing community,” people continue to tell me as they persistently ask me “where exactly are you concentrating?”

To be honest, unlike Toronto, so far there are no apparent pre-established ethnic group neighbourhoods. As people come, they settle in whatever area they like. Thus, there seems to be a preference towards the south end of Barrie, but that may also have to do with the commuting part of the deal of settling somewhat away from the big city where the labour market is much broader.

As you walk through Centennial Park you can notice the presence of people from different cultures which were not here last summer. This year Barrie has more colours, traditions and more languages being spoken.

Saturday, that same park will be the scenario for Barrie’s Latin Festival, similar to Salsa on St. Clair, an event that held its third version of showcasing music, dance and food; but most of all, of helping to create awareness, interaction and education.

The Barrie event will be full of folkloric dancers, bands, kids’ activities, crafts and the smell of good authentic Latin cooking, said organizer Lina Garcia.

She explained this community event was sanctioned by Barrie City Council to promote Latin culture and expose the city to its growing Latin community.

“This community festival is used to showcase Barrie’s infrastructure, development and community services, as well as its embrace of ethnic cultures,” said Garcia.

Scheduled to take place on the waterfront from noon to 10 p.m., the 2007 Barrie Latin Festival is sure to be vibrant.

• You can reach Mirna Concha at mirna.concha@theheritagenetwork.ca.