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The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival will take place from April 2 to 26 without one of its signature events.

The Japan Fair Association of Vancouver has announced that the Sakura Days Japan Fair won't be held on April 18 and 19 at VanDusen Botanical Garden due to public fears about the novel coronavirus.

"We acknowledge that the risk for COVID-19 is low and that there is high enthusiasm for our event from all participants and stakeholders," the association's chair, Takashi Tsukamoto, said in a statement. "This decision is to ensure the long-term sustainability of this annual event; to continue to provide the best experience for our performers, vendors, volunteers and attendees; and to maintain the financial and operational viability of our event."

This would have been the 11th year that the fair was held.

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival will begin on April 2 with a free Cherry Jam Concert from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the concourse beside Burrard Station. B.C. World Music Collective Trio, Kotojiro World Music, Stephan Stewart-Imbert (Hurdy Gurdy), and Vancouver Okinawa Taiko.

The event will also be held at the same time and location on April 3 with four other performers: Cheondoong (Thunder) Performing Arts Society, Kiyoshi & Jesse, Mohamed Assani, and Royal Academy of Bhangra.