By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

Nikka Yuko encouraging Lethbridge to “experience the friendship” for its 50th anniversary

Apr 25, 2017 | 11:51 AM

LETHBRIDGE – The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is gearing up for a full summer schedule.
 
The garden’s gates officially open May 13 and 14, and will welcome visitors until early-October. Michelle Day, executive director, noted that Nikka Yuko recorded 70,000 guests when it first opened in 1967, and hopes to reach that number again this year.
 
On July 14th and 15th, the garden will celebrate its 50th anniversary as Lethbridge’s centennial project with an “Experience the Friendship” event, featuring public tours, presentations and plenty of entertainment (schedule listed above).
 
Canadian pop-rock artist Amanda Marshall, who’s best known for her 1995 hit “Dark Horse”, has also signed on for a concert at the Enmax Centre on July 14. Tickets for her show go on sale for $50 Friday (Apr. 28).
 
“There are really only five well-known Japanese gardens across Canada. With those other gardens, they’re tied to a university or a larger botanical garden.
 
“For Nikka Yuko to be here individually — and to be what it is — is very unique in Canada and it’s very very special,” Day explained. “The building, that comes from Kyoto, is the only one of its kind.”
 
Day added that Nikka Yuko staff are still in talks with the Japanese Imperial family, but hopes to confirm their attendance at the 50th anniversary celebration within the next month.
 
A full summer events schedule can be found at the garden’s website.