User:JeannetteTSpencer/Sandbox

BON FEST 21 is a group of Japanese senior citizens who meet at East Hill Pensacola Florida's Bayview Community Center every Thursday from 12 noon to 4 pm. Their goal is to share the japanese festivals and culture with the community. If you wish to assist, please feel free to visit their FACEBOOK page to contact them. Where? East Hill Pensacola, Florida

Bayview Community Center

When? August 20, 2011 time? noon - 4 pm If you wish to attend, it is FREE. There will be food vendors and crafts. The TAIKO Drummers will be providing a TAIKO DOJO or WORKSHOP. There will be folk dancing; japanese crafts and japanese games. There will be a dance contest for most unique and best.

Brief History and Meaning of Bon Odori is a Japanese Buddhist Folk Dance performed outdoors and danced in concentric circle around a raised platform called a Yagura. However, 2011 will have a Bon Odori INDOORS due to the heat for the senior citizens. However, it has become more a community celebration just as Christmas has become a time of sharing and love. It has also been referred to as the GATHERING OF JOY and has been held annually since 657 A.D.

Odori means dance and Bon is the abbreviated name of a Buddhist text, the Ullambana Sutra, whose Japanese pronunciation is Urabon, shortened to Bon. This story gradually developed into a major memorial festival for one's ancestors.

Though a memorial observance, there is a festive mood during Obon. Obon is a time to remember and honor all those who have passed on before us. It is a time to appreciate all that they have done for us and to recognize the continuation of the influence of their deeds upon our lives.

Obon is also a time of self-reflection; the joy one feels is not from the happiness of getting what you desire, but the joy of being shown the truth -- the joy of awareness. "Obon reminds us to love and care for our parents. It also encourages the practice of selfless giving (dana) not only to family and friends, but to all beings."

'If you wish to HELP with the festival, please Email: hatsuemiki@gmail.com'' Call & leave msg:850-602-4385'''