Rain or shine, the Jewish Culture Festival organized by Chabad of the Tri-Cities will take place at Rocky Point Park on Sunday, June 8. Everyone is welcome. (photo from Chabad of the Tri-Cities)
The Jewish Culture Festival returns to Rocky Point Park next month, as the first-ever Tri-Cities festival, which took place last year, was such a success.
Last May, the skies over Port Moody were grey and heavy. Rain fell steadily as volunteers scrambled to cover tables, musicians huddled under tents with their instruments, and the grassy fields of Rocky Point Park threatened to turn to mud.
But then – the people came.
One by one, in raincoats and rubber boots, carrying umbrellas and warm drinks, more than 300 people streamed into the Tri-Cities Jewish Culture Festival. Children ran between tents with falafel. Seniors gathered to listen to the sounds of klezmer. Local vendors served up kosher food, fresh baked goods and Israeli dishes. There were smiles. There was singing. Above all, there was ruach, the joyful Jewish spirit.
It was the first festival of its kind in the Tri-Cities, and it was clear from the start: rain or shine, the Jewish community shows up.
Organized by Chabad of the Tri-Cities, the Jewish Culture Festival was created to bring together Jews from all walks of life and to share the beauty of Jewish culture with the broader public. “This festival is about celebrating what connects us – our heritage, our values and our joy,” said Rabbi Mottel Gurevitz, director of Chabad of the Tri-Cities.
Booths lined the park, offering Judaica, hands-on learning, face-painting for kids and even a spirited parent-vs-child trivia challenge. The energy was palpable, and the sense of community was unmistakable. And, now, it’s happening again.
The Jewish Culture Festival returns to Rocky Point Park on Sunday, June 8, and it’s set to be even bigger and better. This year’s festival will feature Jewish music and entertainment throughout the day, an expanded lineup of kosher food vendors, offering everything from deli sandwiches to Mediterranean street food. Families can look forward to inflatables, carnival games and a magician. Judaica will once again be on display and available for purchase, including artwork, books, Shabbat items, and more.
Whether you’re Jewish or just curious, religious or cultural, new to the Tri-Cities or a lifelong resident, this festival is for you. It’s not just about food or music – it’s about connection: to tradition, to community and to one another.
So, bring your appetite, bring your family, and come celebrate the joy of Jewish culture – in all its flavour, sound, colour and heart.
Admission is free, thanks to generous sponsors, but tickets are required for entry. Reserve them in advance at JewishFestTC.com.
– Courtesy Chabad of the Tri-Cities