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Contact:
Sarah Halligan
Communications Specialist
Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area
O – 928-373-5190
Press Release
For Immediate Release
April 1st, 2024
Colorado River Park Hosts Haru Matsuri Festival
Yuma, AZ – On Saturday, April 6th, the Colorado River State Historic Park will host Yuma’s second annual “Haru Matsuri” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gates will open at 9:30 a.m.
The Haru Matsuri, which translates into “Spring Festival” from Japanese, will be a day-long celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Culture. The festival will feature entertainment, vendors, demonstrations, crafts, and food.
“Last year was our first year, and we had a fantastic festival, but this year will be even better,” said Tammy Snook, Colorado River State Historic Park Manager. “We have more entertainment, more vendors, and more educational booths.”
Contact:
Sarah Halligan
Communications Specialist
Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area
O – 928-373-5190
Press Release
For Immediate Release
April 1st, 2024
Colorado River Park Hosts Haru Matsuri Festival
Yuma, AZ – On Saturday, April 6th, the Colorado River State Historic Park will host Yuma’s second annual “Haru Matsuri” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gates will open at 9:30 a.m.
The Haru Matsuri, which translates into “Spring Festival” from Japanese, will be a day-long celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Culture. The festival will feature entertainment, vendors, demonstrations, crafts, and food.
“Last year was our first year, and we had a fantastic festival, but this year will be even better,” said Tammy Snook, Colorado River State Historic Park Manager. “We have more entertainment, more vendors, and more educational booths.”
New entertainment acts this year include the Calexico Martial Arts Academy Celestial Lion Dance Team, Masazumi Kai Koto & Shakuhachi Performance, San Diego Kimono Club Demonstration, Traditional Stories from Japan, and the Paradise Island Dancers.
“We are really excited to host all of these new groups, but I think a particular crowd favorite will be the Samoan fire knife dance, performed by Abe Haretuku of the Paradise Island Dancers,” said Snook.
Popular returning entertainment acts include the Odaiko Sonora Taiko Drummers, Legacy Tai Chi Interactive Demonstration, Yuma Kendo Demonstration, Yuma Shorin Ryu Karate Demonstration, and Dr. Lizzie Renaud’s Hula Performance.
Attendees are invited to join in the fun by wearing their own cosplay costumes. Cosplay—a combination of “costume” and “play”—encourages individuals to dress up as their favorite fictional character. Cosplay activities have become especially popular in Japan, East Asia, and the U.S., and costumes are welcome (though not required) at the Haru Matsuri.
Parking for the event will be at the vacant lots on the corner of 1st Street and 2nd Avenue. From there, attendees will walk over the 2nd Avenue Bridge that crosses the Yuma Main Canal, and enter the park’s back gate next to the bridge.
The Colorado River State Historic Park is managed by the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Corporation (YCNHA), which operates as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. YCNHA serves as an advocate, with key partners, to protect the Lower Colorado River and its rich history.
For more information, please contact the park at (928) 329-0471.
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ABOUT YUMA CROSSING NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA
https://www.coloradoriverpark.com/
The Colorado River State Historic Park is managed by the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Corporation (YCNHA), which operates as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. YCNHA serves as an advocate, with key partners, to protect the Lower Colorado River and its rich history. The mission of the YCNHA is to:
- Restore the Lower Colorado River wetlands and habitats;
- Assure river access through riverfront parks;
- Tell the unique cultural and agricultural story of the area;
- Manage two state parks to preserve and bring history to life; and
- Promote private investment in the downtown and along the riverfront.
