By Kammie Sumpter in Campus
Clark is hosting its 10th annual Sakura Festival on April 16 at 1 p.m. to welcome spring under the cherry blossom trees on campus.
At 2 p.m. the festival will continue in the Gaiser Student Center for a dance performance by Clark’s Japanese Club, a greeting from the children in the Early Childhood program and a performance by members of the Portland Taiko Drum Group along with table displays and refreshments.
According to Japanese tradition, cherry blossoms are a fleeting beauty that represent the frailty of life. They have been celebrated since the seventh century with family and food, according to Clark’s website.
“I think that the festival broadens students’ horizons to other cultures,” said Michelle Golder, the festival event coordinator.
The City of Vancouver gifted Clark 100 Shirofugen cherry trees 25 years ago. The festival began in 2006 to pay homage to our sister-city relationship with Joyo, Japan.
Golder said that the festival helps Clark students recognize the education opportunities they have in Japan.
