Cancham Shanghai held ‘Canada 150 Street Festival’ at Waitanyuan (133 Yuanmingyuan Road) on July 1st between 2 to 8 pm. This event was much more commercial then other Canada Day celebrations, but that is in line with recent modifications of Cancham to become a business and trade organization versus the fun and family association of Canadian expats, improving social connections between the Canadian and local community (Canadian Business Forum established in 1996, in 2001 became the Canada China Business Council Shanghai Chapter, in 2008 became independent of Canada China Business Council and called The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai), this was highlighted in the ‘Hello-Allo Canada’ event on Yandang Road, which was a free three day street festival celebrating Canadian culture. Sadly a main organizer returned to Canada after that event and Cancham has been struggling since. Beach parties near cool docks have been the common theme for the past several years and this year was the first street festival. Sadly the event was a ticketed event, which blocked locals from learning and interacting with Canadians.
Waitanyuan Phase 1 (Also called Waitan Yuan Redevelopment Project or Bund Financial Zone; Composed of Waitanyuan 33, site of the former Consulate-General of the United Kingdom [英国驻上海总领事馆; British Consulate General; Building 1], the British Supreme Court for China and Japan, the Residence of the British Consulate General [building 2], Union Church [Building 4], Church Apartments [Building 3] and the Shanghai Rowing Club [across the street]; RockBund [Also called Community 174], 11 restored buildings and 5 new ones; the Peninsula Hotel and Yifeng Galleria) by the Shanghai Bund Investment Group Co. Ltd.
I entered the area via the southside of Yuanmingyuan Road and found the front entrance to the event. To the right was the paid entrance, and to the left was the open access roadway. I simply walked along the left hand path and got to see most of the site, which was riddled with shops selling various ‘Canadian’ products including food vendors preparing food in a likely unhygienic environment (ie. 35’C/Feels-like: 45’C with refrigerated dairy products). Towards the north end of Yuanmingyuan Road was the centre stage, where American inspired Senegalese rap was on display (Aly Ndiaye). Towards the north exit gate, was some pieces of Canadian inspired art, which was the highlight of the event. Soon I was making my way to the new viewing platform behind the Seagull Hotel.
