Rain City Chronicles and tasty treats bring huge crowd to Chinatown

by Charlie Smith on June 9th, 2013 at 12:24 PM

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The Vancouver Chinatown Night Market was hopping on Saturday with throngs of people filling the 100 block of Keefer Street.

I was lucky to be invited to share one of the stories at Rain City Chronicles, along with nine other writers, broadcasters, and raconteurs.

As I was telling a tale about how Vancouver–False Creek MLA Sam Sullivan had mastered several languages, he and his partner Lynn were just arriving in the crowd. This wasn't planned—I didn't even expect them to be there.

Other speakers included Shirley Chan, who played a pivotal role in stopping a freeway from being built through Chinatown, architect Joe Wai, and author Larry Wong. He told an amusing tale about why he disliked attending Chinese school in the neighbourhood.

Writer Anna Ling Kaye let people know how a plaque honouring Chinatown novelist Wayson Choy was placed last year at the corner of Gore Avenue and East Pender Street.

Artist Howie Tsui offered an insightful tale about a legendary Chinese picture framer; journalist Jackie Wong reminded the audience about the plight of seniors in the neighbourhood; chef Bob Sung had everyone laughing over his attempts to learn Cantonese; and broadcaster Elaine Chau explained why there are some amazing stories inside Chinatown's oldest buildings.

To end Rain City Chronicles, author Kevin Chong told a moving story that he didn't want repeated anywhere else. I'm going to honour his request and only say this: it was a captivating tale full of pathos and wisdom, and was a worthy way to wrap up the event.

The stories were followed by some music by Fine Times, turning this part of Chinatown into someting of a party zone.

Kudos to the hosts, Lizzy Karp and Cory Ashworth, as well as to Vancouver Chinatown Night Market programming director Ken Tsui, for putting on such a successful event.

The market continues Fridays through Sundays in the 100 block of Keefer from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. until September.

On Friday (June 14), the Chinatown Ping Pong Club will perform in the street. The following night (June 15), the Hun Gar Shaolin Kung Fu Showcase will be the star attraction.