August marked the 4th Annual Omatsuri Festival. The event, once again, found favour with Mother Nature as it turned out to be another beautiful summer day. Some 4000 + Calgarians came through the gates to take in the exhibits, watch the demonstrations, eat the food and experience all things Japanese.

Congratulations to the committee chair – Ted Wada and his dedicated committee for another tremendously successful event. Thank you to all of our fabulous sponsors and to all of the individuals, groups and businesses that supported the event either monetarily; or by renting a table; or by participating with a special exhibit. Thank you to all of the performers who entertained the crowd so masterfully. Thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers, for without them the festival just couldn’t happen.

This festival is growing by leaps and bounds and with the move to the new site at Bowness Community Centre we have the ability to accommodate growth for the coming years. The event is truly an all-encompassing community event where all who have an interest in the Japanese culture can come together within the confines of one venue to help build a better understanding of the Japanese Canadian community. If you missed it, make sure you mark your calendar for next year.

Taken from the CJCA December 2014 Newsletter – Written by Joanne Terakita Planidin

Video Created by:  Carolynn Nguyen