2015 - 20th Annual Bon Dance Festival in Greenville, SC (Live Performances, Ikebana, Bento Boxes, Games..)NEW

Announcing the 20th Annual Bon Dance Festival in Greenville SC! This event is hosted by the Japan-America Association of South Carolina, and comes together with help of numerous local businesses, organizations, individuals, and volunteers dedicated to the purpose.

Date
August 22, 2015

Time
12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Doors open 12 noon. Bento boxed lunches will sell out quickly after the doors open. 

Costs
FREE Admission, free parking
Buy tickets for food, games, and prizes

Location
McAlister Square, 225 S. Pleasantburg, Greenville, SC 29607
We will be indoors in comfortable air conditioning and safe from poor weather conditions.  

About Obon
Obon is a late summer holiday in Japan honoring one's ancestors. It is celebrated by dressing up in traditional Japanese summer clothing and going to the Bon Dance Festival, meeting up with friends to play games, eat delicious food, listen to the taiko drummers, and join in the Bon Odori or "Bon Dance".

Highlights
Demonstrations and Performances

• Wadaiko, an exciting Japanese drumming performance by Ronin Taiko Group.
• Bon Odori or "Bon Dance" a traditional Japanese folk dance (experienced dancers will lead, and everyone can join in line and followa long) by Midori no Kai group.
• Kyudo Japanese longbow archery demonstration by the SC Kyudo Renmei.
• Kendo Japanese martial art demonstration by the Greenville Kendo Club.
• Sado, Japanese Tea Ceremony demonstration by WNC Cultural Center.
• Ikebana Japanese flower-arranging demonstration by WNC Cultural Center.

Games, Crafts, and Activities

• Festival games include include Strikeout, Yo-Yo Fishing, golf putt, and ring toss.
• The Fukubiki Lottery Drawing features prizes big and small, where everyone wins.
• Have your name written in beautiful Japanese calligraphy by hand, shodo.
• Try origami, the Japanese art of paper-folding, and the Taiko drumming video game.
• Exhibit of exquisite handmade Japanese dolls by artist Chikayo Kawagishi.

Food and Beverages
Delicious Bento boxed lunches will be available from several local vendors, but will sell very quickly once the doors open. Drinks and snacks are also available, as well as bubble tea from O-CHA Tea Bar.

Additional Information Booths
There will be a delegate from the office Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta available for registration of overseas voting, issuing or renewal of passport, and applications for various certificates.

There will be information on tourism and travel to Japan provided by travel agencies.

All of the entries for the Bon Dance poster art contest will be on display. The artworks were done by the children of the Greenville Saturday School, JAASC's education program for Japanese children and the children of Japanese living in the area.  

Questions
Tatsunobu Sugita, tsugita@fujifilm.com
2015 Bon Dance Committee Chairman, JAASC