PLACERVILLE — The American River Conservancy invites the public to attend the third annual Wakamatsu Farm Festival, a celebration of the diverse history of the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Colony Farm, on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The festival honors the site’s residents, dating back to the Nisenan tribe and through time with the first Japanese colony in America and the Veerkamp family farm.
Performers will include: Placer Tomadachi Dance Group; Placer Ume Taiko; Sensei Harunaka Hoshino — kenjutsu (sword fighting skills) and tameshi-giri (test cutting); Taro Arai — Mikuni Sushi demonstration; California native dancers.
Live music will be provided by: Naoko (traditional koto player); Austin Quattlebaum; Mignon Geli and Goodshield Aguilar; Tiffani Shiro and Hugh Hoeger; Coloma Celtic.
Exhibitors will include: Japanese arts — temari, origami, calligraphy, ikebana; San Francisco Japanese Sword Society; Lotus Bonsai Nursery; Kimberly Shining Star (Native American storytelling); local 4-H petting zoo; Marshall Gold State Park living history volunteers; Brian Hayes Pottery; El Dorado Arts Council; Gold Country artists’ gallery; South Fork Farm; hay wagon rides; Gekkeikan Sake.
Food and drink will be available for purchase from: Mikuni Sushi, Bonne Vie Crepes, Loco BBQ, Smith Flat House, Sierra Rizing Bakery, Boeger Winery, David Girard Vineyards, Madrona Vineyards, Gold Hill Brewery and Vineyard, Barsotti Juice.
Location: 941 Cold Springs R., Placerville. This is a fun, family-friendly event, but pets are not allowed. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen or hat, refillable water bottle, rain gear (event happens rain or shine) and cash (some vendors are cash only).
Tickets: $20 for adults $7 for youth, free for kids under 10. To buy tickets online, click here.
Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more people. Call ARC’s main office at (530) 621-1224.
Main parking area via Green Gate entrance. Bus parking is available at Gold Trail School, 889 Cold Springs Rd., along with overflow parking. Shuttle service is available from school to festival headquarters.
ARC has compiled a brief history, along with project information, on the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Colony Farm. Click here.