Sakura Festival is coming

On Thursday, April 18, Clark College’s 2019 Sakura Festival will honor the historic ties of friendship between the sister-cities of Vancouver, Washington, and Joyo, Japan.

The
festival will begin at 1:00 p.m. with opening remarks near the Royce E. Pollard
Japanese Friendship Garden, which is located next to the Beacock Music Hall on
Clark’s main campus. Dignitaries who are scheduled to speak include Mayor Anne
McEnerny Ogle, Clark College President Bob Knight, Japanese Consul General
Takashi Teraoka, and Clark College Japanese Scholarship recipient Kiho Takedoa.

The
opening ceremony will include a koto performance by Yukiko Vossen and a
performance by the Clark College Women’s Choral Ensemble. The koto, a stringed
musical instrument, is the national instrument of Japan.

From
2:30 to 3:30 p.m., the Sakura celebration will continue in the Gaiser Student
Center, where guests will enjoy family-friendly cultural activities including
performances by the Clark College Japanese Cultural Club, traditional
calligraphy by Sora Shodo, a greeting from the college’s Child & Family
Studies program, and drumming by members of Takohachi TakoQ. Cookies and tea
will be served. Information about the Sakura Ceremony is available at www.clark.edu/cc/sakura.

All
events are free and open to the public. The Sakura Festival is sponsored by
Clark College, the City of Vancouver, and the Vancouver Rotary.

Clark
College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Driving directions
and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps. Individuals who
need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this
event should contact Clark College’s Disability Support Services Office at
360-992-2314 or 360-991-0901 (VP) or visit the Penguin Union Building room 013.