The 3rd annual BC Dumpling Festival promotes unity and cultural understanding
Sample the world through dumplings and entertainment in Coquitlam on Aug. 10
There will be 17 dumpling vendors, 19 other food vendors, and more than 40 product and service vendors at the event. (Submitted/James Timmins)
The third annual BC Dumpling Festival is set to return on Aug. 10 from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm in Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
Hosted by the Asian Arts and Culture Society, this multicultural, family-friendly event is a celebration of diversity and will feature a variety of dumplings from around the globe, live entertainment, and a dumpling-eating competition.
The festival was created to address a gap in the community and promote unity and understanding after a racist incident occurred in Town Centre Park in April 2021.
“I felt a strong need to make the community a safer and more inclusive place for my family and others,” wrote Gina Chong, president of the Asian Arts and Culture Society, in an email statement to The Runner.
“There was a lack of multicultural festivals in Coquitlam, and I wanted to create an event that celebrated our diverse cultures. Thus, the Asian Arts and Culture Society was established, and with the support of my board, we organized the first BC Dumpling Festival in 2022.”
Each year, the festival focuses on a different country to promote cultural understanding, and this year’s selected country is the Philippines. There will be Filipino performances, a Filipino pavilion, and unique foods from the Philippines like purple ube siopao from bakery Mr. Siopao de Langley.
“The festival brings together people from all ethnic backgrounds to volunteer, participate, and enjoy the event, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for our diverse community,” Chong wrote.
“With over 200 volunteers at our 2023 festival, we highlight the importance of coming together to celebrate and learn from each other.”
Seventeen dumpling vendors are set to participate in the festival this year, which were carefully selected for their ability to represent diverse and cultural traditions through their offerings.
From Momo Joy to Nina’s Pierogies, there will be dumplings to suit a variety of palates and preferences. There will also be 19 other food vendors, including Lee’s Donuts, Japadog, and Hurricane Potato.
Beyond the culinary delights, attendees can expect a vibrant lineup of entertainment, including performances ranging from traditional Korean music to contemporary dance acts. The stage will showcase more than 100 performers, reflecting the cultural mosaic of Coquitlam and its surrounding areas.
“Attendees will be able to enjoy a live art mural produced by WKNDRS and an interactive augmented reality experience with our adorable dumpling characters by Green Forest XR,” Chong wrote.
More than 40 community vendors will also display various products and services at the event, from The Skript Kitchen and Planet Mushrooms to other local businesses.
“By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate and learn from each other, we hope to foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect,” Chong wrote.
There are also numerous volunteer opportunities available at the festival, which can provide a chance to connect and engage with the community, learn about other cultures, and create a positive impact, Chong wrote.
“In 2023, we were proud to have over 200 volunteers, and we continue to encourage community participation to ensure the festival’s success,” she wrote.
Those interested in volunteering can fill out the festival volunteer form on the event’s website.
“Additionally, we are excited about the diverse range of vendors and performances lined up for this year, and we look forward to another successful celebration of community and culture,” Chong wrote.
For more information about the festival, visit www.bcdumplingfest.ca/.
