Youth and staff alike enjoyed Taiko drumming, food, and crafts during the Obon Party held on August 13, 2014. This event is part of an ongoing series of cultural events to expose youth to different activities that are part of various cultures in Hawaii. Previous activities have included Chinese New Year and Cinco De Mayo.
As summer is the Obon season for the Japanese and Okinawan culture, Palama served as host of its own Bon Dance Party. Ten taiko drummers from the Dragon Beat Taiko Club provided rythmic drumming demonstrations for the approximately 70 youth in attendance. Head instructor, or “sensei” Mr. Tsutomu Nakai provided a brief lesson to some of Palama’s youth which definately was a highlight.
Board of Trusteee member Ms. Pat Nishimoto helped to coordinate volunteers to teach the craft of folding origami, or small pieces of paper that can be made into cranes.
Every Bon Dance is known for good food so there was a lot of spam musubi and the Okinawan treat andagi available.
More activities are planned at our Blackfield Youth Activity Center for the coming months, to include a Halloween Haunted Tour, Thanksgiving meal, and Community Christmas party. Call Larry Sweets at 848-2522 for more information.
