Salt Spring’s Japanese Canadian community and the island’s Japanese Garden Society are hosting the 14th annual Blossom Picnic at Heiwa Garden in the Peace Park on Sunday, May 18.
If the weather cooperates, the free event will run from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., a celebration of multicultural unity and reconciliation that’s become one of Salt Spring’s most beloved traditions as part of its celebration of Asian Heritage Month. The joyful spring gathering brings together Japanese Canadian culture, food, music, dance and family-friendly fun, all while honouring the past and in support of the renewal of Japanese Canadian cultural heritage on Salt Spring.
Festival highlights include a debut performance by Shimakaze, Salt Spring’s own Taiko drumming group, a tate samurai sword performance, karate demonstrations and a community bon odori dance — with everyone welcome to join in.
Kid-friendly activities include a paper airplane making and flying contest; an origami station, including making origami ninja stars and target shooting; “go fish” yo-yo water balloons; and “pick an Omikuji slip and read your fortune” activity.
Once more, a homestyle Inari sushi lunch is available for pre-purchase. People should send an email message to heiwagardensaltspring@gmail.com with their name, phone number and number of lunches desired — with pickup and payment between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the food booth. Also available on a first come, first served basis is a katsu sandwich lunch and other homestyle Japanese dishes.
Heiwa Garden is located across from the ArtSpring theatre in Ganges.
For information about the Japanese Garden Society of Salt Spring Island visit saltspringjapanesegarden.com.