Crescent City will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the landing of the Japanese boat, the Kamome, on the shores of Crescent City. The landing followed the devastating 9.1 earthquake near Rikuzentakata, Japan on March 11, 2011, creating a catastrophic tsunami and sending the small vessel on its westward odyssey across the Pacific. More than 1,700 people lost their lives in Rikuzentakata.
As result of the Kamome landing, a sister city relationship between Rikuzentakata and Crescent City was developed. This anniversary will offer several cultural activities, all free, on Friday, April 14.
The schedule:
• 9 a.m. - noon: FREE kids activities at the Cultural Center. Interactive tsunami education and emergency preparedness; Sister City kiosk and mural viewing; Emergency “go bag” making; Origami. Kyoto fan folding, Kanji writing and card making Kamome Art Exhibit at the Cultural Center.
• 5 p.m.: Kamome Art Mural Unveiling at Beachfront Park.
• 6-7:30 p.m.: FREE evening ceremony, Crescent Elk Auditorium. Seating limited to 280. Call ahead to reserve your free ticket.
Learn the story from local city and county officials, community members, students and the folks from Rikunzentakata. Virtual Kamome Art viewing, featuring local artist Harley Munger, traditional Japanese Taiko drum performance by Humboldt Taiko, watch a film screening of the Kamome documentary.
For more information and limited FREE tickets to selected events, contact the Crescent City Chamber of Commerce on Front Street or call (707) 464-3174.