The Confucius Institute in Edmonton hosted the Open House on September 24 to celebrate the 3rd global Confucius Institute Day. More than 350 people experienced a variety of activities on Chinese culture and arts.
The day started with the warm welcome from Dr. Sandra Stoddard, the Executive Director of EPSB. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley sent written greeting for this event. Special guests who brought greetings were Trustee Bridget Stirling, Trustee Nathan Ip, MP Michael Cooper, MLA Lorne Dach, City Councillor Bev Essillinger, Mr. Waldemar Riemer from Alberta Learning, Dr. Gerald Krispin, the President of Concordia University of Edmonton, Dr. Manfred Zeuch Vice President of Concordia University of Edmonton and Mrs. Dorren Poon Phillips, former President of ECBEA.
After the greetings, a wonderful performance was brought to people by CIE teachers along with students from five Confucius Classrooms, including a Chinese lion dance, folk dances, Chinese musical instruments, Tai Chi, singing and dragon dance.
Highlight of the day was a two and a half hour cultural sessions and traditional games which included Chinese massage and acupuncture, Chinese dough art, Chinese knots, Chinese painting, Chinese paper cutting, Chinese Calligraphy, handkerchief dance, fan dance, Tai Chi, table tennis, Chinese checkers, chopstick game, Chinese chess, Majiang, Chinese 7 puzzles. Photo booth where people could try on different traditional Chinese costumes and took photos attracted a lot of people. During the event, people had the chance to taste samples of Chinese food as well.
The event was very successful and all the participants had a great time experiencing and learning Chinese culture.