Cherry Blossom Barge Flotilla coming to Vancouver this spring

Dec 20 2017, 3:57 am

Cherry blossom festivities in Vancouver will be kicking to a whole new level this spring: Organizers of the annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival are stepping up their plans this year by hosting a multi-day cherry blossom barge event.

On Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17, 2016, a barge with 40 cherry blossom trees in full bloom will be towed by a tug boat in Vancouver’s local waters, hugging the shoreline closely to allow passersby to see the weekend-long spectacle.

During the first day, the barge will pass by Canada Place, Stanley Park, English Bay Inukshuk, and Granville Island on its way from Crab Park to Science World. During the entire voyage, drummers from Chibi Taiko will be on the barge to add to the fanfare and excitement.

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‘Blossom Barge’ will be moored just outside the Granville Island Market for free afternoon performances by Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra, Tetsu Taiko & Tzo’kam cross-cultural collaboration, Langley Ukulele Ensemble, and a number of other artists and performers.

For the final day, Sunday, festival organizers are encouraging the public to join the Blossom Barge Flotilla when the barge makes its journey from False Creek to Crab Park. A flotilla of First Nations canoes, dragon boats, rowers, yachts, and pressure boats will follow the barge as it makes its way back to the other side of the downtown peninsula.

Cherry Blossom Barge 2016

Where: Downtown Vancouver shoreline

When:

  • Saturday, April 16, 2016
    • 10:40 a.m. Parading from Science World back to Granville Island
    • 12:00 PM- 2:30 p.m Performances Start at Granville Island Market
    • 8:30 PM – 10:00 p.m. Sakura Illumination
  • April 17, 2016
    • 12:00 – 2:30 p.m.: Performances Start at Granville Island Market
    • 3:00 p.m. Parading from Granville Island to Science World
    • 4:20 p.m. Passing by English Bay Inukshuk
    • 5:25 p.m. Passing by  Canada Place

 

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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