— Successful Conclusion of the 9th Qingdao-Richmond Sister Cities Cultural Event
On September 17, 2024 (the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, Mid-Autumn Festival), the 9th Qingdao-Richmond Sister Cities Celebration was held at the Thompson Community Centre in Richmond. The event was organized by the Canada Shandong Chinese Business Association and Canada Performance and Recitation Art Society, with support from the Vancouver Red Maple Art Troupe and the Canadian Youth Union Foundation.
Canadian Members of Parliament Wilson Miao and Parm Bains, along with Richmond Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, sent their congratulatory letters. BC MLA Henry Yao and Thompson Community Centre project leader Trey were present and delivered speeches. Wendy Yuan, the BC provincial candidate for Richmond Centre, was unable to attend due to an urgent matter but conveyed her best wishes through a message.
One of the initiators of the event, Han Changfu, Executive President of the Canada Shandong Chinese Business Association, highlighted the history of development between the sister cities of Qingdao and Richmond, their mutual economic and cultural exchanges, and the current state of development in both cities. He expressed his gratitude to all the supporters and cultural ambassadors.
Ms. Zheng Yan, President of the Canada Shandong Chinese Business Association, extended festive greetings to all attendees. She highlighted that the association has organized multiple sister city events between Qingdao and Richmond, which have contributed positively to strengthening ties between the two cities, fostering connections among their people, and enhancing the friendship between China and Canada. She expressed her heartfelt wish for the enduring friendship between the peoples of both nations.
BC MLA Henry Yao expressed his appreciation and support for the cultural exchange events organized by the Canada Shandong Chinese Business Association in connection with the ‘Richmond-Qingdao’ sister cities, emphasizing that they serve as a significant example of multiculturalism. Having participated in similar events hosted by the association on multiple occasions, he extended his heartfelt Mid-Autumn Festival greetings to all attendees and community seniors during the celebration.
Although Thompson Community Centre project leader Trey may not be entirely familiar with the Mid-Autumn Festival, he has a solid understanding of the ‘Moon Festival’ and the ‘Qingdao-Richmond’ sister city relationship. In addition to conveying his best wishes for the event, he also expressed sincere care and concern for the seniors in the community.
Walls is a community staff member who has studied Chinese Kung Fu and Tai Chi. During this event, inspired by the enthusiasm of the audience, he spontaneously went on stage to perform Chinese Kung Fu.
Zhao Xuehan, Executive Deputy Secretary-General of the Canada Shandong Chinese Business Association, hosted the event in both Chinese and English. Lü Wengong announced the performances.
The annual Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of reunion and celebration under the full moon. This year’s event was a resounding success, featuring a variety of captivating programs: an introduction to the origins and customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a display of specially crafted mooncakes, and performances showcasing the national treasure of Peking Opera, Shandong’s classic Lü Opera, and the song Jin Se, adapted from a poem by Li Shangyin. Members of the Vancouver Red Maple Art Troupe, the Canada Shandong Chinese Business Association, and the Canada Performance and Recitation Art Society delivered meticulously prepared performances, including dances, instrumental pieces, and classic songs, adding vibrancy and joy to the festival and enriching the sister city celebration.
