From taiko drums to salmon barbecue, Vancouver’s longest-running community festival celebrates a milestone.
The sound of taiko drums, the aroma of grilled salmon and the sight of thousands gathering in Oppenheimer Park can only mean one thing: the Powell Street Festival is back.
The 50th annual Powell Street Festival is all set to host one of its largest performances ever in Vancouver’s historic Paueru Gai (Powell Street neighbourhood) on Aug. 1 and 2, celebrating arts, culture and community showcasing Japanese Canadian History.
More than 80 performances and programs, 60 craft and marketplace vendors, 20 food vendors and at least 10 community booths will take over Oppenheimer Park, the Vancouver Japanese Language School, Firehall Arts Centre and surrounding venues, during the two-day free and family friendly festival.
The milestone edition also extends to other areas within the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall, where additional exhibitions, workshops and presentations will be held held, allowing visitors to explore more than ever before.
The festival was founded in 1977, as a celebration for the Japanese Canadian community has now evolved into one of the biggest cultural events in Vancouver, while keeping the history of Vancouver’s former Japantown alive.
“Whether it’s your first festival or your 50th, I want to thank you for choosing to spend your long weekend here with us in Paueru Gai. Enjoy!” says festival society president Russell Chiong in a press release.
This year’s lineup features some of the event’s longest-standing traditions, as well as some new programs.
Fan favourites are back such as Shig Hirai Sumo Tournament, taiko performances across, martial arts displays, tea ceremonies, Japanese dance, live music, theatre, literary talks and film screenings.
Visitors can also join the Tanko Bushi dance, the new Paueru Gai Ondo community dance, children’s games, tug-of-war, the Kiai Contest and the popular Suika Wari watermelon game.
Check out the full schedule on the festival website.
In honour of the 50th anniversary, Organizers have also created a PSF50 Stamp Hunt, encouraging people to pick up five stamps throughout the festival to create a piece of art inspired by the original 1977 stage.
Aside from the show, food is another major attraction at the festival. More than 20 vendors will serve Japanese favourites and the famous Salmon BBQ — a staple of Japanese Canadian redress history, alongside many community booths and artisan markets.
The anniversary celebration also shines a spotlight on Japanese Canadian history through exhibitions, documentaries, panel discussions and projects supported by the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society.
A featured panel discussion on Return to Paueru Gai to celebrate Fifty Years of Vancouver’s Powell Street Festival, explores the festival’s past and future while accompanying a newly released commemorative book and exhibition.
Organizers expect more than 23,000 people during the two-day festival. Attendees are also encouraged to walk, cycle or take transit, as parking around Oppenheimer Park is limited. Free bike valet service, water stations, accessible seating, gender neutral washrooms and ASL interpretation at opening ceremonies will also be available.
So if you hear taiko drums echoing through the neighbourhood, you’re probably heading in the right direction. Chances are you’ll leave with full hands, a full stomach and at least a few new Japanese traditions even if it’s your first time visiting.
50th Annual Powell Street Festival
When: Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Oppenheimer Park and Powell Street
Cost: Free