Moncton was in the mood for a party, and that's what it got.
TANYA EVERETT/TIMES & TRANSCRIPT
Haja Madagasscar performs for the crowd at the Mosaïq multicultural festival on Main Street last night.
The stadium has been rocking all week with curious supporters and die hard fans showing up to cheer on some of the world's top athletes at the IAAF World Junior Championships, but last night, Moncton's international bash spilled into the streets.
Mother Nature interfered on Thursday to postpone the start of the Mosaïq: Celebrating Our World multicultural street party until yesterday, which happened to coincide with the end of the work week for many work-weary Monctonians.
It turns out the timing and the combination of sunny weather, a partially closed Main Street, and music, crafts, and food from all over the world was enough to turn the multicultural festival into a full-fledged New Brunswick shindig with a global flair.
At this time of year, people don't need to look far to find a reason to celebrate, but if there ever was a reason, Mosaïq is it.
By showcasing so many cultures and traditions, the event not only helps Metro Monctonians learn to know each other better, it also shows off the city to its globetrotting visitors in its best light.
While there has been an absence of doping scandals this week at the stadium, Moncton and its visitors seem to enjoy the bigger, more festive, and you might call it the enhanced version of its celebrated annual multicultural gathering.
The extra fuel has come in part from the influx of visitors from at least 170 countries who travelled here to take in the IAAF World Junior Championships.
Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc likes what he sees, and he says there is no reason to expect the annual celebration won't continue to grow next year.
"This is absolutely fantastic, I had always hoped we would expand the multicultural festival here in Moncton, and this is a great opportunity for us with hosting the world with a global village this weekend," said LeBlanc.
"This is absolutely fantastic. It is much bigger and more vibrant than in the past, and everybody loves it. I hope it will grow and this time next year we will be back at it."
Paula Gautreau was just as thrilled to see the multicultural celebration grow into a bigger event.
"On this scale we would like to see this more often," she said.
In a sense she said the festival is helping Moncton to fulfill its destination as a party hub.
"It turns Moncton into the festival city we want it to be. Moncton needs to be the centre for festivals and conferences," said Gautreau.
She thinks Moncton is perfectly positioned and set up to make parties like last night a more common occurrence.
With a downtown full of restaurants, large hotels, and a Main Street that can be closed without causing undue inconvenience to the rest of the city, she said Moncton has what it takes to keep celebrating.
"We would like to be able to see this blocked all summer long," she said of Main Street.
Gautreau said gatherings like Mosaïq help improve the general mood in the city.
"It gives everyone a break. Everyone deals with stresses and challenges, and this gives them back-to-basics fun," she added.
Thomas Roth, a Norwegian runner competing in the 800-metre race at the IAAF World Junior Championships, enjoyed the chance to get into the city and see some of the people who may watch him compete this weekend.
He thought the city was enjoying the festivities.
"I think it's a good idea. A lot of people are here, so maybe some of them will come to the stadium," he said, already looking forward to letting loose at the end of competitions.
"The championships end with a party, so that will be social."
Due to the work week, John Stauffer hadn't had the chance to take in any action yet at the track, but was planning to do so today. That made last night's street party a de facto opening ceremonies for him.
"Any reason to shut down Main Street is awesome," he said, looking forward to today's action at the track.
Not everyone realized Main Street would be closed last night, but it worked out well for Patrice Landry and his friend.
They were supposed get some Vietnamese food last night, but ran into a shut-down Main Street. Instead of taking a detour, they decided to park and check out what the fuss was all about, and they were happy they did.
"It's a fun, nice activity, especially with the games going on, it is nice to have it," said Landry.
"I say Main Street should just be one-way traffic in the summer."
Melanie Boudreau, who is passionate about volunteering to help newcomers to the region, said Mosaïq provides something for everyone in the city.
"I'm less into the competition, I prefer the social part," she said.
"You still see the posters for the event and it makes you want to go to the track."
Bob Lirette viewed Mosaïq as a lot of fun for himself, but also a chance to introduce his kids to some of the various cultures that reside in Metro Moncton.
"I think it's great for the kids to see different cultures."
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