A new and free end-of-summer festival, dubbed the “Richmond World Block Party,” will be held at Minoru Park on Labour Day weekend.
And while food from around the world will be a central theme, it remains undecided if patrons can enjoy beer, spirits and wine at the Sep. 5 event that is expected to draw 40,000 people.
Bryan Tasaka, the city’s manager of major events, told the Richmond News he could not confirm if plans exist to include alcoholic beverages at the event. He added such details would be finalized in June.
Food, however, will play a prominent role at the “multicultural” party, with a culinary stage for food competitions and showcases as well as a Global Food Truck Zone featuring more than 30 food trucks, each representing a different country.
“This festival will celebrate Richmond’s significant diversity through music, food and culture and will have the potential to become a destination event,” stated Tasaka in a report to city council.
Coun. Derek Dang said he would be open to the concept of a beer and wine garden.
“Beer and wine probably has some merit. Hopefully we’re a mature enough society to handle that,” said Dang.
Coun. Chak Au voiced similar thoughts, saying he isn't opposed to the concept.
“It might be a good idea, if carefully planned for and well executed,” said Au.
The event will cost the city $170,000, making it the second most expensive city-run event in 2015 behind the Maritime Festival. Sponsorship money should push the overall budget to about $250,000.
Initial plans also call for two performance stages and a Sports Zone, which plans to feature lesser known sports such as shinty, sumo and kabaddi.
The event will run all day until 10 p.m. and is seen as a “more accessible and low cost option to the PNE,” stated Tasaka.
The block party is part of a series of city events in 2015, including Ships to Shore, from June 29-July 1, the Maritime Festival on Aug. 8-9, and Days of Summer, featuring various events from May to September.
The event still requires final approval from council, which has requested more details in order to debate.
