Latest news with #JoeyKwan
CTV News
13-07-2025
- CTV News
Event organizers of Vancouver Chinatown Festival say security is their top priority
A Vancouver Police officer stands on a street leading to the site where a car drove through a crowd at a Lapu Lapu festival killing multiple people in Vancouver, Monday April 28, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam VANCOUVER — Organizers of the Vancouver Chinatown Festival say security is their top priority in the wake of the Lapu Lapu festival tragedy that killed 11 and injured dozens more in April. Joey Kwan, executive director of the Vancouver Chinatown BIA, says enhanced safety measures have been in place as the 23rd festival is underway, drawing hundreds of people to enjoy the musical performances, marching band and children's theatre. She says festival goers can expect to see heavy police presence throughout Vancouver's Chinatown and officers will station six security checkpoints. Blue fences have also been set up at the scene to block vehicles from entering. Kwan says something unexpected may always arise, but event organizers and volunteers are ready to 'deal with the unexpected.' The tragedies of the Lapu Lapu festival are still haunting people, and Vancouver resident Darcy Shoults says seeing tons of police presence at the event scene makes him feel 'quite safe.' Shoults says two years ago he attended the Light Up Chinatown Festival, where a triple stabbing look place and left him devastated. Blair Donnelly was on a day pass from a psychiatric hospital when he stabbed three people in Vancouver's Chinatown in September 2023. Shoults says these attacks do happen, but we can't let them keep getting in the way of stopping us from coming together to show support and celebrate. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 12, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
12-07-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Event organizers of Vancouver Chinatown Festival say security is their top priority
VANCOUVER - Organizers of the Vancouver Chinatown Festival say security is their top priority in the wake of the Lapu Lapu festival tragedy that killed 11 and injured dozens more in April. Joey Kwan, executive director of the Vancouver Chinatown BIA, says enhanced safety measures have been in place as the 23rd festival is underway, drawing hundreds of people to enjoy the musical performances, marching band and children's theatre. She says festival goers can expect to see heavy police presence throughout Vancouver's Chinatown and officers will station six security checkpoints. Blue fences have also been set up at the scene to block vehicles from entering. Kwan says something unexpected may always arise, but event organizers and volunteers are ready to 'deal with the unexpected.' The tragedies of the Lapu Lapu festival are still haunting people, and Vancouver resident Darcy Shoults says seeing tons of police presence at the event scene makes him feel 'quite safe.' Shoults says two years ago he attended the Light Up Chinatown Festival, where a triple stabbing look place and left him devastated. Blair Donnelly was on a day pass from a psychiatric hospital when he stabbed three people in Vancouver's Chinatown in September 2023. Shoults says these attacks do happen, but we can't let them keep getting in the way of stopping us from coming together to show support and celebrate. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 12, 2025.
Toronto Star
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
Event organizers of Vancouver Chinatown Festival say security is their top priority
VANCOUVER - Organizers of the Vancouver Chinatown Festival say security is their top priority in the wake of the Lapu Lapu festival tragedy that killed 11 and injured dozens more in April. Joey Kwan, executive director of the Vancouver Chinatown BIA, says enhanced safety measures have been in place as the 23rd festival is underway, drawing hundreds of people to enjoy the musical performances, marching band and children's theatre.
Winnipeg Free Press
12-07-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Event organizers of Vancouver Chinatown Festival say security is their top priority
VANCOUVER – Organizers of the Vancouver Chinatown Festival say security is their top priority in the wake of the Lapu Lapu festival tragedy that killed 11 and injured dozens more in April. Joey Kwan, executive director of the Vancouver Chinatown BIA, says enhanced safety measures have been in place as the 23rd festival is underway, drawing hundreds of people to enjoy the musical performances, marching band and children's theatre. She says festival goers can expect to see heavy police presence throughout Vancouver's Chinatown and officers will station six security checkpoints. Blue fences have also been set up at the scene to block vehicles from entering. Kwan says something unexpected may always arise, but event organizers and volunteers are ready to 'deal with the unexpected.' The tragedies of the Lapu Lapu festival are still haunting people, and Vancouver resident Darcy Shoults says seeing tons of police presence at the event scene makes him feel 'quite safe.' Shoults says two years ago he attended the Light Up Chinatown Festival, where a triple stabbing look place and left him devastated. Blair Donnelly was on a day pass from a psychiatric hospital when he stabbed three people in Vancouver's Chinatown in September 2023. Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. Shoults says these attacks do happen, but we can't let them keep getting in the way of stopping us from coming together to show support and celebrate. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 12, 2025.
Calgary Herald
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
The Vancouver Chinatown Festival takes place in July: Here's what you should know
Article content The 23rd-annual Vancouver Chinatown Festival will take place this July. Article content This family friendly festival, put on by the Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area Society (VCBIA), is free to attend and features events and flavours for all-ages from the varied shops and restaurants in the historic area. Article content Article content 'The Vancouver Chinatown Festival is a celebration of culture, community and connection, and we are thrilled to have BMO's support for our 23rd year,' said Joey Kwan, executive director of VCBIA, in a news release. 'We're proud to see the festival continue to grow with new and returning experiences for all ages. It's a reflection of the energy and resilience that define Chinatown, and we can't wait to share this year's festivities with everyone.' Article content Article content Article content Entertainment includes Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada, Boogaloo Dance Academy and Colours of Dance Academy, music from marimba ensemble Muevete, the B.C. Chinese Music Association and the rock/pop sextet Rain City 6. There will also be cultural showcases of Japanese Yosakoi dance by Appare, Brazilian rhythms by Samba Fusion, and more. Article content What other activities will take place? Article content The Children's Theatre area is expanded to feature family-oriented activities and shows with performers such as magician Blake Aleong. New additions range from roving giant bubble stilt walkers, the Story on Wheels and Science World On the Road. Face painting, balloon twisting, t-shirt painting, MiniMakers crafts, and games for kids of all ages take place throughout the day. Article content Article content Article content The Cultural Zone features Vancouver Chinatown walking tours hosted by Bob Sung of A Wok Around, Chinese painting and calligraphy demonstrations, mini massages, paper lantern and fan-making, as well as a giant Mahjong board. Article content Article content The VCBIA is promoting an interactive 'Where's Van Van the Panda?' contest. Track the festival's mascot around the area using the Vancouver Chinatown Festival app or following @visitchinatown on Instagram for a chance to win tickets to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Chinese Canadian Museum, and Chinatown Storytelling Centre. Article content Do you need tickets? Article content Article content
