There are Mexican mannequins in racy undies, Cameroon coloured candy, a Brazilian buck in a pub and a flag-flying barber who’s nailed his English colours to the ceiling of his shop.
In case you hadn’t noticed, the World Cup of soccer, which kicked off in Brazil on Thursday, has arrived with a bang in Steveston.
Thirty-two businesses are part of Steveston World Cup Village; each having signed up to adopt one of the 32 competing nations in the World Cup; each festooning their businesses in the colours of their nation and each hosting a “National Day” on one of 32 days of the competition, during which they’ll celebrate with live music, street parties and barbecues.
A life-size and weight replica of the World Cup is doing the rounds at each participant’s business on its National Day, while an incredible chocolate World Cup remains cool, but on show, inside the air-conditioned Buck & Ear pub.
Thursday’s big kick-off could not have come soon enough for one of the World Cup Village’s organizers, soccer-mad Bean and Beyond Café owner Davood Khatami, who’s been counting the sleeps.
“Everyone has been so excited about this for weeks now; it’s going to be one great big party, much better than Commercial Drive,” said Khatami, who, although a Germany fan, has turned his café into the pavilion of his native Iran.
“The merchants have really bought into the idea, many have got giant TVs in to watch the games, their customers are all involved and we’re going to be keeping this party going for the whole four weeks.”
Although the ultimate goal of Steveston World Cup Village is to have “fun,” said Khatami, “we want to get the whole Richmond community out here during the World Cup and do something that’s never been done before.
“There are so many soccer fans in Richmond and they should get out here and enjoy the World Cup atmosphere.”
And who do you think is Khatami’s prediction to win the World Cup? “Germany, I’m surprised you asked.”
* Editor’s note: No European nation has ever won a World Cup on South American soil.
*ANAF will host the party for the final two days of the World Cup Village, July 12 and 13. Tickets costing $25 are on sale at Bean and Beyond, with a grand prize of a return trip for two within B.C., courtesy of Pacific Coastal Airlines.
* Most participants have Steveston World Cup Village t-shirts for sale at $15.
* Go to Richmond-news.com/world-cup for all the Steveston World Cup Village news or visit worldcupsteveston.com.
* Vote for your favourite business in the Richmond News Best Dressed Pavilion competition at Richmond-news.com or download the Steveston App from the QR code displayed in the window of each participating business.
* Steveston World Cup Village passports are available at most participanting businesses; where children can go around each pavilion “stamping” their passports with a specially made sticker relating to that country.
