DTES Community Programs
Powell Street Festival Society’s Advocacy and Outreach Committee hosts a series of year round events at Oppenheimer Park which incorporate capacity building opportunities for peers, distribution of meals, and cultural activities which share Japanese Canadian history and culture.
Asahi Tribute Game - Fall Program
The Vancouver Asahi was a Japanese Canadian baseball team that played in the Powell Street area from 1914 to 1941 until internment forcibly removed all Japanese Canadians from the coastline. The success and achievements of the team have since been recognised with the induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 and the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.
In 2005, the Annual Vancouver Asahi Tribute Game was founded to celebrate the Vancouver Asahi’s contribution to the sport of baseball and to recognise their impact on the history of Canada, human and citizenship rights, and community-building. The Asahi Tribute Game is a free, inclusive, and family-friendly place to play ball, eat hot dogs, and come together for some end-of-summer fun!
In 2020 and 2021, the Annual Asahi Tribute Game was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In lieu, PSFS screened the feature film The Vancouver Asahi at the DTES Heart of the City Festival and partnered with VJLS–JH/Atira’s Respite Space in the Japanese Language School-Japanese Hall. To add to the festivities, PSFS distributed popcorn and origami baseball cap art prompts. A heartfelt thank you to Grace Eiko Thomson for providing access to the film. Click to enjoy our Asahi Tribute- Origami Baseball Cap Prompt!
Hanami Cherry Blossom Picnic - Spring Program
Hanami is our annual spring event to celebrate the cherry blossom season. Each year we present a different cultural offering in addition to a free community Japanese curry lunch.
Minori Harvest - Fall Event
Minori (実り) Harvest is an annual event to celebrate the harvest season and honour the history of Japanese Canadian farmers in BC. We partner with local farmers to source fresh produce to cook and distribute a free miso butternut squash soup. There will also be thematic cultural programming activities throughout the day, in which we celebrate the delicious abundance of autumn with our DTES community! Click to enjoy our Minori Harvest Pumpkin Origami Prompt!
Setsubun - Winter Event
A new addition in 2022, this New Year’s event features a nod to Setsubun traditions like mamemaki, alongside Powell Street Festival twists as we celebrate a turning point towards a new season.
