Jessica Cejnar Andrews / Friday, March 3, 2023 @ 1:27 p.m. / Community
Crescent City Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Kamome's Arrival
Barnacle-encrusted Kamome arrived on South Beach in 2013, two years after being swept away from Rikuzentakata, Japan during the March 2011 tsunami. | Photo courtesy of the Crescent City-Del Norte County Chamber of Commerce
From the Crescent City-Del Norte County Chamber of Commerce:
Both Crescent City, California and Rikuzentakata, Japan have something in common: Devastating tsunamis. A tsunami leveled Rikuzentakata and hurled a boat from Takata High School across the ocean in 2011. Kamome floated for years before finding its way to Crescent City. But a somber story sparked a lasting bond between two high schools, two cities and two countries giving good reason to celebrate.
The public is invited to attend the first Kamome Festival, a one day event beginning with tsunami and earthquake preparedness education and Japanese cultural activities for kids and their families at Crescent City’s Cultural Center. Activities range from origami and card making for students in Rikuzentakata to an interactive tsunami trail walk where children can make emergency “go bags”.
An evening ceremony will follow that will include officials and residents from Rikuzentakata along with local leaders from Crescent City, Del Norte County and students from Del Norte High School. A highlight of the evening will be a live performance from a Taiko drum group from Eureka, California. The evening culminates with a virtual unveiling of the Kamome art mural by local artist Harley Munger and a screening of the Kamome documentary.
"The relationship between Crescent City and Rikuzentakata was born out of tragedy but has resulted in building a spirit of hope. The 10th anniversary of Kamome's arrival is a reminder of the undeniable reality that our communities were destined to be forever friends." says Blake Inscore, the former mayor of Crescent City.
The festival was made possible by the Del Norte County Office of Education, the City of Crescent City, the Crescent City-Del Norte County Chamber of Commerce, along with Del Norte County, local first responders, and the newly formed Kamome Foundation. The Kamome Festival will be an annual event every April in Crescent City.
WHEN & WHAT:
Family Activities for school aged children: April 14, 2023 - 9 am to 12:00 pm
Interactive tsunami education and emergency preparedness
Sister city kiosk and art mural viewing
Emergency “go bag” making from pillow cases
Origami, Kyoto fan folding, Kanji writing and card making
Commemorative Kamome art mural unveiling by artist Harley Munger: April 14, 2023 5:00 pm in Beachfront Park across from Fred Endert Pool, 1000 Play St, Crescent City, CA 95531
Evening Program, Ceremony and Entertainment: April 14, 2023 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
Learn the story from local City and County officials, community members and our friends from Rikuzentakata, Japan
Traditional Japanese Taiko drum performance
Kamome documentary screening (now streaming on Peacock)
WHERE:
Kids Activities: Cultural Center at the Crescent City - Del Norte County Visitor Center, 1001 Front Street, Crescent City, CA 95531Mural Unveiling: Beachfront Park across from Fred Endert Pool, 1000 Play St, Crescent City, CA 95531
Evening Program: Crescent Elk Auditorium at Crescent Elk Middle School, 994 G St, Crescent City, CA 95531
COST:
Free to the public. Tickets are limited to 280 people for Friday evening’s program. You must reserve a free ticket in advance at www.KamomeFestival.comMore information and a schedule of events: www.KamomeFestival.com
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