Celebrate 50 Years of Normandale’s Japanese Garden
Contact Information
Celebrate a Bloomington treasure at the Normandale Community College Japanese Garden 50th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, September 19, 12 to 4 p.m. at the college. This free, family friendly festival invites visitors of all ages to experience the beauty and traditions of Japanese culture.
Enjoy traditional performances, hands on activities, authentic Japanese cuisine and a peaceful stroll through one of Bloomington's most treasured landmarks.
Created between 1972 and 1976 by the Bloomington Affiliated Garden Clubs with guidance from Tokyo garden architect Takao Watanabe, the two acre garden features koi ponds, handcrafted bridges, lanterns, a waterfall and more than 300 Minnesota hardy plants.
Presented by TORO with support from the City of Bloomington and several community partners, this special celebration honors five decades of friendship, culture, and community.
For more information, contact Amanda Crombie, Equity & Inclusion Program Manager, at acrombie@bloomingtonmn.gov or 952 563 8736.
Program Schedule
12:00 PM - Opening Ceremony
12:00 - 4:00pm - Activity Booths
12:00 - 4:00pm - Food & Refreshments
12:45 - 4:00pm - Cultural Performances & Live Entertainment
3:00pm - Keynote Speaker
What You'll Experience
Live Entertainment
- Harisen Daiko Taiko Drumming
- Sonsei Yonsei Kai Japanese Dance Group
Cultural Experiences
- Japanese Tea Ceremony
- Origami
- Calligraphy
- Garden Tours
- Koi Feeding
Community Partners
• The City of Bloomington
• Japan America Society of Minnesota
• Bloomington Sister City Organization
• St. Paul Nagasaki Sister Cities Committee
• The Japanese American Citizens League
• Bloomington Travel and Tourism
• Ikebana International Chapter 121
These partners play an essential role in honoring the garden’s legacy and enriching this community celebration.