The 3rd Annual Bon-Odori Festival
The 3rd annual Bon Odori Festival was held on Sunday, August 9th (4:00–8:00 PM) at Enkyoji Temple, a Nichiren Buddhist temple in North Tonawanda.
The event began with a Bon memorial service (Bon-e Hoyo) led by the temple’s head priest, Reverend Kanjin, followed by a lion dance and a kamishibai (Japanese picture-story) performance.
Outside, members of Odori-no Kai led the Bon Odori, accompanied by the taiko group Shibuki performing the musical accompaniment. Participants danced to songs including “Anpanman Ondo,” “Pokemon Ondo,” “Matsuken Samba,” and “Hyakumangoku Ondo” and so on.
Some food trucks were also on hand, along with food and drink vendors both indoors and outdoors, kimono sales, and yukata dressing.
Many young children took part as well, and the sight of many people dancing together around the lantern-decorated yagura stand where the taiko drummers performed was reminiscent of a summer festival in Japan — making for a truly joyful event.