Matsuri (祭) is the Japanese word for a festival or holiday. Japanese festivals are traditional festive occasions. Some festivals have their roots in Chinese festivals centuries ago, but have undergone great changes as they mixed with local customs.
Some are so different that they do not even remotely resemble the original festival despite sharing the same name and date. There are also various local festivals that are mostly unknown outside a given prefecture. It is commonly said that you will always find a festival somewhere in Japan.
Our version of a matsuri will have elements from both Japan and North America.
Games
| Pay To Play | |
 Yo-yo Tsuri // ヨーヨーつり // 1 TicketThe “yo-yo” is a small water balloon filled with air and water. It is attached to a rubber string which has a loop on the end. To play this game, you are given a small paper string with a hook at the end. You need to get the hook in the yo-yo’s string loop and fish it out of the water before the paper disintegrates. Once you fish it, it’s yours to keep and play with! Don’t bounce it too hard though, or else it might pop and you’ll have to go fish another one! |
 Super Ball Sukui // スーパーボールすくい // 1 TicketThe “easy mode” of kingyo sukui (Goldfish scooping), is Super ball Sukui. Pretty much the same concept as the goldfish game, except you’re scooping bouncy balls instead of fish that’ll swim away from you. Your aim is to skillfully scoop the balls from the pool into your bowl using your paper scoop. It’s tricky though! The paper scoop is very fragile and if you’re too rough with your scooping, the paper will rip pretty easily. |
 Senbonbiki // せんぼんびき // 1 TicketTreats & prizes are attached to long pieces of string which are strung through holes. You pull on a piece of string, not knowing which treat/prize it is attached to. You’re guaranteed a prize with this game! |
Bean Bag Toss // 1 Ticket Score points to win a prize! It’s harder than you think. |
 Plinko // 2 TicketsA classic game made famous by the daytime game show “The Price is Right”. You won’t be winning any cash at our version, instead you’ll get points to earn a prize! You’ll get three disks per play to drop down our Plinko board. Maybe you’ll be a big winner!! |
Cash will NOT be accepted at the games, only tickets. You will receive a small number of tickets with your admission. Additional tickets can be purchased for $1 each. |
| Free To Play | |
| Quick Draw Jenga Looking for some competition? Play against your friends or others in this game of Quick Draw Jenga! Take turns hitting out blocks, but the catch is that you have to hit the block out in one hit! If the person that goes after you ends up making the stack fall then you are the winner! Up to 4 people max recommended to play. |
Plushie Slingshot Ever wonder if plushes make good ammunition? Well now you can find out! Test your aim and skills with making our four plushes dream to fly come true and hit their targets! The more precise your aim, the more points you score! |
| Jojo’s Bow is Unbreakable You’ve got the legendary bow in your hands and so it’s time to make some Stands! Will your aim be true ? Shoot your targets and find out! |
Kickin’ It Old School We’re breaking out the old school with an ORIGINAL 8-bit NES for some Tetris action! |
Performances
Café Ayako Dancers : The girls of Café Ayako will be dancing for your enjoyment!
Hibikiya
HIBIKIYA is a dynamic,high energy group known for their unique choreography and exciting music. Currently supported by the Southern Alberta Taiko Society, HIBIKIYA has the cultural approval of The Japanese Consulate – General of Japan in Calgary for their dedication to the active promotion and education of Taiko, the traditional Art of Japanese drumming. HIBIKIYA is also fortunate to have the support of The Lethbridge Twinning Society.
HIBIKIYA has been entertaining audiences with authentic Japanese Taiko for many years. Music Director, Bryan Pereverseff, was instrumental in bringing the art of Taiko to Southern Alberta in 2002, through his relationship with 2 Japanese Taiko groups in Japan. Besides performing at many events and festivals, HIBIKIYA also offers workshops and instruction to the public.
Check out their Facebook page!
Stalls
Hoseki’s Snack Bar (Chips, Chocolate bars, Pop, Water)
Nishikaze Merchandise
Victoria Lemmons
Christina Bennett
Lethbridge and Area Search and Rescue Association