It’s that time of year for Canadians to invite friends from Taiwan and around the world to join the “Celebration Canada” outdoor party at the Taipei Hakka Cultural Park on Saturday.
Visitors can experience Canadian culture and community spirit through live music performances, Canadian food and drinks, family friendly activities and winter sports activities. The event, which is free and open to the public, will also feature children’s play areas and raffle prizes, organizers said.
The event in Taipei marks Canada Day on July 1 and is traditionally held on the on the nearest Saturday. It is organized each year by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (CCCT) in partnership with the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei (CTOT), with support from volunteers and corporate sponsors.
Photo courtesy of Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan
The event will have extra zest this year, as Canada is currently co-hosting the FIFA Football World Cup tournament with the US and Mexico. Officials said many cities are planning to hold soccer-themed activities for their traditional July 1st celebrations.
Meanwhile, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the CTOT in Taiwan. Saturday’s event serves as “a marker of 40 years of sustained engagement and dialogue, also of working together between Canada and Taiwan,” CTOT Executive Director Marie-Louise Hannan said at a press conference last month.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the CTOT in Taiwan.
Hannan said the celebration affirms the many ties linking Canada and Taiwan, including their shared principles of democracy, diversity, openness and partnership.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce chairwoman Toi Windham said the Taipei event is the largest Canada Day celebration outside Canada, having attracted between between 5,000 to 10,000 attendees in the previous years.
A new feature this year is the “Battle of the Bands” competition. The preliminary round featuring eight acts took place earlier this month, with three finalists AlexisWhirl, Higher Rootz and SutureSelf advancing to compete for the final prize on Saturday.
In addition, organizers have invited performers including DJ Crash, DJ Marcus A with TonyfromDC, Balkazar, Dex Factor and The Maple Leaves, according to information from CCCT.
Visitors can purchase a variety of Canadian favorite food items throughout the afternoon and evening, including poutine, smoked meat, maple treats, Caesar cocktails and craft beer, alongside other international cuisine.
The event will also feature a Canadian Sports Zone for those interested in trying curling and floor hockey, as well as a Kids Zone offering interactive workshops, games and educational activities.
Asked whether this year’s event might be affected by the grassroots “Elbows Up” movement that emerged in response to the shifting geopolitical situation, Hannan said the celebration in Taipei would be inclusive and friendly.
“That’s part of our national pride and character, so it’s not about excluding anyone,” she added.
Furthermore, officials have announced a joint US Independence Day and Canada Day celebration in Kaohsiung the following weekend on July 4, organized by the CCCT and the American Chamber of Commerce in Kaohsiung.
The event is scheduled from 4pm to 10pm at The Pier Garden (渡船頭啤酒花園), located at 109-1, Binhai One Road (濱海一路109-1號) next to Kaohsiung Harbor. There will be DJs and other entertainment activities.
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