Yaletown is Blooming event kicks off ahead of Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Vancouver’s Yaletown is Blooming event took place Thursday, just ahead of the city’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which starts Friday.
Thursday’s event included free music performances at the Yaletown Roundhouse Community Centre, including Japanese taiko drumming and Chinese fan dancing
Annette O’Shea, executive director of the Yaletown Business Improvement Association says they collaborated with the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival organizers to plan their festivities.
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“They are such a pleasure to work with because they’re excited that it’s spring and it’s fun to work,” she said.
“I mean, they’re basically gardeners, because it all started with the VanDusen gardens.”
She says the Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off in Yaletown’s David Lam Park because of the beautiful blossoms there, and volunteers are excited to give tours.
“It’s spring, it is very electric,” O’Shae said. “It’s fun, and people feel very revitalised with it.”
The Cherry Blossom Festival will feature several events, including Blossoms After Dark, which runs from March 29 to 31. This free event will be held nightly between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. at David Lam Park, and will showcase the blossoms lit up in bright colours against the background of the dark sky.
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On Saturday, a Big Picnic event will take place between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. This will include music and performances, art activities, a Haiku exhibition, workshops, and yoga. As well, a free interactive activity, called BreakOUT, lets people borrow headphones and take a guided tour of the park.
“It’s free… lots and lots of all-day entertainment at David Lam Park,” O’Shea said.
“It’s going to be beautiful. It’s a great way for people to just enjoy something family friendly and free.
O’Shea also says spring means a boost in business in Yaletown, as many people are shopping for their “spring looks.”
“Spring always picks up, because everyone’s mood picks up for fashions,” she said.
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“All the new designs are in the new clothing fashions. They’re all going to be launched in Yaletown next week.”
“It’s time to sort of put away all the dark winter stuff and come out with some of the fresh new looks for spring,” she said.
