THUNDER BAY — The Lakehead Japanese Cultural Association held its third annual Summer Matsuri Festival at the West Thunder Community Centre on Edward Street in Westfort on Saturday.

The five-hour cultural festival featured a kids’ zone, different martial arts displays, an interactive martial arts activity, Asian food and goods for purchase, a car show, karaoke hour and a new cosplay positivity parade and contest.

It also showcased cultural performances and displays in the centre’s main gym, known as the Gifu. Some of which included performances with the Kaminari Wan Taiko drummers and the Fuji Dancers performing the Odori.

“We caught a lot of the traffic coming out of the Westfort Street Festival,” said Danielle Winters, a volunteer with the association.

“But it is quite a popular ev

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