24
Philippine Showbiz Today
Spring at the Richmond
Cherry Blossom Festival
Cherry blossoms in Richmond’s Garry Point Park. Photo by Clayton Perry
Cherry trees blossom
The cycle of life renews
Springtime has arrived!
Richmond, BC – The second
annual Richmond Cherry Blossom
Festival will re-awaken our community
to the beginning of spring on April
8 at Garry Point Park. The park is
home to 255 Akebono Cherry Trees
planted by the B.C. Wakayama Kenjin
Kai (Association) with the support of
the City. The cherry trees will create
a stunning frame for a day of nature,
culture and community.
“Last April, in spite of a strong
and gusting westerly wind, … the first
Cherry Blossom Festival in Richmond,
hosted by the B.C. Wakayama Kenjin
Kai, was successful in introducing the
audience to experience an authentic
cherry blossom festival as celebrated
in Japan,” said event organizer, Jim
Tanaka. “It is hoped that a grove of
255 Akebono Cherry Trees will not
only bring the seed of enjoyment, but
become part of the essence of the
quality of life for our diversified island
community and the visitors for years
to come.”
Tanaka added that Mary Hirano,
the event co-organizer, chose
harmony as the theme of this year’s
festival, to bring the diversified
community together, to reconnect
with old friends, meet new ones and
rekindle the sense of community.
This free public event will take
place on Sunday, April 8, from 11
a.m. to 4 p.m. Come and view the
beautiful cherry blossoms on display,
take part in cultural demonstrations,
enjoy local eats and be amazed by the
performances by local Taiko drum
group and dancers.
For more information about
the Richmond Cherry Blossom
Festival, visit www.richmond.ca/
cherryblossom.●
March 22 - April 7, 2018