Kathleen Thomas - Multicultural Council and Carrousel of the Nations

Kathleen Thomas - Multicultural Council and Carrousel of the Nations

Inducted in 2022

Through her role as Executive Director for the past 30 years, she has been the key planner and organizer of Carrousel of the Nations for three decades. Prior to her position with the MCC, Kathie was a cultural dancer and organizer for one of the Villages!

No one has contributed more to this festival than Kathleen.  She has secured sponsors, partners and funders ensuring that the tradition of Carrousel has continued for 46 years – even during the pandemic! 

She personally created and fostered the important village partnerships who are responsible for the sharing and celebrating of culture.  She created the spin-off festival Carrousel by the River, which for many years brought multiple villages to one location for a weekend event, in advance of Carrousel around the city.  She expanded the festival to Leamington for Carrousel on the 42, and she led Carrousel@Home – a hybrid event during the pandemic. 

Kathleen has also created countless ‘mini’ Carrousels for city hosted events of the years- including the FINA World Swimming Championships, International Children’s Games and the Organization of American States conferences – all held in Windsor.