The Vancouver Chinatown Festival, an annual celebration of the culture and character of the historic neighbourhood, runs this weekend.
The event will feature Chinese dance, music, a children’s theatre, a magician, and cultural activities like Chinese painting and calligraphy.
This year, security is a key consideration, particularly in the wake of the deadly Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy in April.
Joey Kwan, executive director of the Vancouver Chinatown BIA, says there will be enhanced safety measures during the event.
Related:
“During the past months, we have been working with the city and also the VPD about how to set up a safe and secure environment for all the volunteers, the staff, the vendors, and the visitors,” Kwan said.
Road closures will be in place to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering the area, and Vancouver Police patrol cruisers will control access.
Kwan stressed the importance of continuing to celebrate events like this, even in light of recent tragedies.
“I think there are more positive ways we can learn from the case and … do more enhancements in the future moving forward, so we will have a better, safer [event] and we can still enjoy the fun and entertaining festival that we have,” she said.
The 23rd annual Vancouver Chinatown Festival runs from noon until 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday at Keefer and Columbia.
