2004 Bon Odori Festival
For Buddhists, Obon is the time to reflect upon the dedicated lives of departed ancestors who made our present lives possible. Obon is called “A Gathering of Joy” in gratitude.

To celebrate Obon, Bon Odori is a festival where young and old come together to dance, rejoice, and remember their ancestors. Participants wear brightly colored kimonos, yukatas and happi coats as they dance to traditional music. Everyone is invited to come watch and even join in the dancing.

Bon Odori, which is free and open to the public, will be on Saturday, July 24th, 4:00-9:00 P.M. Food booths will open at 4 P.M. Beef bowl, bara sushi (rice), somen (noodles), kori (shaved ice), hot dogs, hamburgers and desserts will be for sale. Farm fresh produce will also be available.

The Ke Liko A’E O Lei Lihua, Polynesian Dance Group, will perform at 4 P.M. There will be a short opening service in the temple at 5:40 P.M. Traditional Bon Odori Folk Dancing begins at 6 P.M. Seattle Matsuri Taiko (drum group) will perform during Intermission.

Bon Odori Dance Practice
The public is invited to come learn the traditional Japanese folk dances, which will be performed at the July 24th Bon Odori Festival in Auburn. The practice sessions will be on June 30, July 2,5,7, and 9 at 7:O0 PM at the White River Buddhist Temple.