One way to transform the debate over whether or not to drop the ROC acronym would be to change its meaning from the Republic of China to the Rest of Canada, given the number of Canadians residing in Taiwan. It would give the Canucks heading to the "Canada D'eh Party" another reason to celebrate, in addition to their nation's birthday.
As Canada Day nears, festivities get started early this year with a birthday bash tomorrow in Baishawan (
Last year the Canadian Society organized The Canada D'eh beach party and estimated some 500 people would turn out. In the end more than a thousand partygoers attended and as a result they ran out of food. This year the prediction is for 1,500 attendees and organizers have arranged enough provisions that "it would be impossible to run out," said the Canadian Society president Jacques van Wersch.
The price of a ticket includes an option of two veggie burgers, hot dogs or hamburgers and a side order of corn and potato chips. Organizers have also ensured a well-stocked supply of cold and reasonably priced (NT$50) beers, vodka coolers and soft-drinks, so there is little incentive to bring your own and those who do will be asked to leave it at the gate.
Face painting, scavenger hunts and other activities will entertain the kids during the day with beach volleyball, horseshoes and a tug-o-war contest, also held in the afternoon. After the birthday cake ceremony and fireworks display, Taiwan-based rockers Milk, The Incriminators and Richie Walker will provide live music.
A free shuttle bus service, to and from Hong Shulin MRT station, begins at 1pm and runs every half hour until the last shuttle at 11pm. Additional buses will be running at the start and end of the day to ensure ample transportation, as problems with scheduling caused some people to wait nearly two hours last year.
Those who want to continue the party can use their wristbands for free entry to Carnegie's and take advantage of a shuttle bus heading directly to the bar. Advance tickets cost NT$200 and are available at Hola stores across the nation, or can be purchased at the beach for NT$300.
The Canadian Trade Office (CTOT) in Taipei is also celebrating the nation's 138th birthday with a two-day affair. Dubbed "The Canada Day Road Show," the CTOT has developed a tradition of celebrating the day outside of the nation's capital and this year it's Taichung.
The event gets started next Friday with a series of public seminars geared towards industry types focusing on education in Canada, green building design, and investment in Canadian technology.
Later that night, @FM is hosting a more festive and free celebration at the "I am Canadian! In Taichung" party, which promises entertainment and drink specials.
Members of the consular staff will be on hand with information about services available to Canadians living in Taiwan, such as passport renewal, citizenship certification and registration with the trade office.
For a taste of Canadian cuisine, the Landis Taichung Hotel is hosting a Ginseng Food Festival (See Restaurant Reviews) from July 1 to July 31 while Top-D restaurant is offering Canadian lobster until the end of September.
Whether it's beer on the beach or seminars in a hotel, you don't need to know what a "toque" is to get in, all the events are open to the public to attend. Updates on the beach party are available online at www.canadiansociety.org. For further details on celebrating Canada Day in Taichung, or to register for any of the seminars contact the CTOT at (02) 2544 3000, or its Web site at www.canada.org.tw.
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