It is August and that means San Luis Obispo Buddhist Church (SLOBC) celebrates Obon! Obon is a time to reflect on the contributions of our ancestors and everything they mean to us. We show our respect and honor them by dancing with joy at the Obon dances, purchasing Tanzakus in their name, and enjoying festive and delicious food.

SLOBC always celebrates Obon on the first Saturday of August. This year it falls on August 1 and we hope to see many people having a wonderful time dancing, eating and visiting with friends and family. Everyone at the church has been working very hard to make this a very special event. Julie and Tomi have held Obon dance practices that were well attended. They will be dressing people who want to wear yukatas and hapi coats and they do a wonderful job. The dance area will be decorated with the red Yagura and colorful paper lanterns with Tanzakus flying in the wind. It will be such a beautiful and festive sight!

Entertainment will be our own Ichimi Daiko and this year we will have special performances by our youngest drummers. What a treat! There will also be a hula troup from Santa Maria, Hoapili Pomaikai Aloha, dancing beautiful hula. Also,children’s activities like crafts and face painting.

The Asian Market has dishes, clothes and artifacts for your purchase. There is the Sweet Shop with delicious cookies, cakes, breads, mochi, Doritos treats and much more to tempt you. Then, of course, the delicious food! There is Chicken Teriyaki Bowls, Inarizushi, Vegetable Curry, Kushisashi, Spam Musubi and Tofu Musubi. There is something for everyone!

Please come to the SLOBC Obon on Saturday, August 1, from 12 to 4 and enjoy the beautiful grounds and activities! If you have any questions, please contact me.

In Gassho,
Sandy Hongo