The diverse range of folks at last year’s annual Canada D’eh party brought the country’s multi-cultural ethic to life with people from not only Taiwan and Canada, but South Africa, Jamaica, South Korea, the US and other nations attending the family-friendly outdoor barbeque.
“Likely about 35 percent are Canadian or have lived in Canada. It is really open to everyone,” said organizer and Canadian Society board member Kevin Dempsey. He estimates there are about 50,000 Canadians living in Taiwan but says “nobody knows for sure.”
About 3,200 Canucks and friends attended last year’s party at Shalun Beach (沙崙) in Tamsui, organizers say, and they expect as many will head back today to a popular venue in the countryside near Baishawan (白沙灣) where the festival was held two years ago.
Dempsey thinks this venue is just more fun than last year’s. “Most of the Canada D’eh’s have been here. We moved it back because it is a better atmosphere and easier to manage,” he said.
It’s beers, beef, bands and beach with a range of sports for adults and activities for children. The meat-heavy menu has hot dogs, hamburgers, whole roast pigs and, new this year, barbecue Canadian roast beef. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks will be available as well. All transactions are made with coupons; the door charge garners a few and more can be purchased, which is best done sooner than later because long lines tend to form for coupons as the day goes on. One coupon will get you a non-alcoholic beverage or fries, two snags a beer, wine or most food items, and it takes four to get a Guinness. Unused coupons will not be refunded.
Activities include beach volleyball and soccer, a hockey shoot-out and tug-o-war.
There will be face-painting, and though every year they say it’s “for kids,” many adults sport Canadian flags on their faces and appendages. Day-trippers are advised to bring sunscreen and wear a hat — even when it’s pouring in Taipei, the weather can be dramatically different outside the city.
Those more inclined to sprawl on plastic chairs under awnings drinking beer will appreciate the arrival of DJs Dominik T and Rick Kraft who will play from 4pm, with other entertainment from 6pm. An Aboriginal Dance troupe will be followed by the raffle draw and then BoPoMoFo (ㄅㄆㄇㄈ) blues band. Other acts include I/O Band, ABS (All Blues and Soul) and Wailin’ Soul.
“It’s a great event, always lots of fun,” said BoPoMoFo frontman Douglas Charles Rapier, whose band has played at three prior Canada D’eh’s.
“We’ve got a reputation for a great fireworks show,” he added, “but this year it has been dramatically expanded and will be our biggest ever.”
A word of warning: Bands are scheduled until 11:50pm, but the last shuttle buses to Hongshulin MRT Station (紅樹林捷運站), the last station on the Red Line before Danshui (Tamsui) MRT Station (淡水捷運站), leave at 11pm. The last 10 buses go straight to Luxy, where Canada D’eh guests can get in for half price. Canada D’eh itself doesn’t end until midnight, which is when the last train leaves Danshui MRT Station. That puts the only duh in the D’eh.
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