The Lakewood Sister Cities Association (LSCA) is hosting its annual Sister Cities International Festival from April 25 to April 27.
This year, Okinawa City will be highlighted through the festival’s main performances. In past years, Lakewood’s additional sister cities of Bauang, Danzhou, and Gimhae were highlighted. The event will take place at the Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus at 9401 Farwest Drive S.W. in Lakewood.
The free, family-friendly event will honor the rich cultures of the Philippines, China, Korea, Japan, and more. Activities will include cultural entertainment, art exhibits, and international cuisines. There will also be arts and crafts vendors touting jewelry, art, and other goods. There will be a public market featuring arts and crafts and ethnic food vendors, and a kids’ corner with face painting, calligraphy lessons, origami, and more.
“We’re so proud to once again host the Sister Cities International Festival,” says Ellie Chambers-Grady, economic development manager for the City of Lakewood. “This event is a fantastic way to showcase and celebrate Lakewood’s diversity with our community members.”
The feature act is a special performance by members of the renowned Miyagi-Ryu Minoruno Kai-Megumi Matsuda Dance Institute from Okinawa City, Japan. Other entertainment includes performers and troupes from Korea, Guam, India, Thailand, Samoa, Afghanistan, Philippines, and Ireland. (end)
A full schedule of activities and performances, as well as a list of vendors, can be found at www.lsca.us.