Photo caption: The Steveston Japanese Language School will perform at the Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival at Garry Point Park on April 7

Celebrate early spring and the breath-taking beauty of the cherry blossom and the richness of Japanese culture at this year’s Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival on Sunday, April 7.

From 11:00am to 4:00pm, festival-goers at Garry Point Park are invited to enjoy a range of cultural performances, view exhibits and demonstrations, experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, and picnic in the park with food offerings from multiple food vendors.  

"Richmond’s Cherry Blossom trees are a spectacular site in Garry Point Park each spring. We encourage people to come and see their beauty at our annual Cherry Blossom Festival,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “The festival not only celebrates our vibrant local Japanese-Canadian heritage, it also reflects our long-standing Sister City relationship with our friends in Wakayama.  It also showcases the wonderful art and culture of Japan.” 
 
The theme of this year’s festival is 夢 YUME “dream”, which symbolizes the dream of festival organizers to leave a legacy for future generations, and highlights include:

• Performances and demonstrations on the main stage in the Sakura Tent, including welcoming messages from Mayor Brodie, along with festival directors and performances by taiko drummers, folk singers and dancers. 
• Displays and demonstrations from local artisans in the Hanami Tent featuring calligraphy, bonsai and sakura art. 
• The Chibi-Chan Tent where children of all ages can learn how to fold origami creatures using special Japanese papers and techniques. 
• Food trucks and vendors featuring a range of Japanese menu items that can be enjoyed under the blossoms.

The Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival highlights the beauty of 255 Akebono cherry trees that were donated to the City from the BC Wakayama Kenjin Kai and planted in Garry Point Park.

For more information, visit richmondcherryblossomfest.ca and follow the City of Richmond’s events social media channels @FunRichmond or @FunRichmond. The City encourages visitors to share their images and experiences on social media using the hashtag #RichmondCherryBlossomFestival.