Crescent City and Del Norte County welcome sister city Rikuzentakata and its official Japanese delegation for the Kamome Festival, April 11-13. Japan and The United States through its Sister Agreement, celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Kamome, a diminutive seacraft built and owned by the local high-school in Rikuzentakata. The vessel drifted across the Pacific for over two years following the Tohoku Earthquake / Tsunami disaster in 2011. Over 2,000 people were killed when a 13-meter high wave slammed into the community. The tragedy began the journey in establishing a permanent friendship across the Pacific. The relationship established involved the City of Rikunzentakata, its high school, the Del Norte Unified School District, the City and County.
The Delegation arrives via Advanced Air from the Bay area at the Del Norte County Regional Airport Thursday, April 11 at 4:30. Friday, Kids Activities will take place between 9-12 at the Cultural Center. A Taiko performance will take place at 7pm at Elk Valley Casino. Tickets for the Taiko event may be purchased at the Elk Valley Casino. A full schedule of events is open to the public and planned for Saturday, April 13 at the Cultural Center:
• 1-2pm- Drum Circle led by Mombo Hernandez.
• 2-2 :15 pm- Opening Ceremony, including a prayer by the Tolowa Dee-ni Nation.
• 2:15-2:30pm- Hmong Dancers.
• 2:30-2:50pm Documentary Film Screening.
• 3pm- Humboldt Taiko performance at the Cultural Center Lawn.