2004 brought contemporary Taiwan to Canada under the theme of “Unleashed!” Festival attendance soared to an impressive 50,000 visitors. With the introduction of the popular figurative lanterns, tasty culinary demonstration “What’s Cooking,” in addition to the usual line-up of spectacular shows and activities, the Taiwanese Cultural Festival was awarded the CEIA’s Best Cultural Event award for the 4th consecutive year. The Taiwanese Dragon Boat Race was formally christened the Vancouver International Taiwanese Dragon Boat Race and continued to be a popular event.