Hanamatsuri Festival!

This meetup is in conjunction with the Orange County anime meetup group.

Hanamatsuri literally means "flower festival" and is a celebration of Gautama Buddha's birthday. On Saturday, April 18, 2009, the Orange County Buddhist Church will celebrate Hanamatsuri with cultural exhibits, stage programs, food, and carnival games!

Admission for the festival is FREE, so this should be a fairly low-key, wallet-friendly event. However, don't forget to bring some cash for food!

I'm going to be there around 1PM, but folks can always join up later. The festival runs from 1PM to around 8PM.

It seems like there are quite a few things to do and see, though, as you can see below:

* Cultural Exhibits: Koi Fish, Antique Swords, Ikebana (Flower Arrangements), Tea Ceremony, Sumi-E (Ink Drawings), Kimono Display, Kimekomi Dolls, Bonsai, Chigiri-e (Torn Paper Art), Fabric Dyeing, Japanese School, Dharma School
* Stage Performances: Judo, Aikido, Kendo, Karate, Nihon Buyo (Classical Dance), Koto, Shakuhachi (Musical Instruments), Minyo (Folk Song), Taiko Drums
* Food: Chicken Teriyaki, Wonton, Sushi, Udon, Teriyaki Beef, Chow Mein, Corn on the Cob, Teri-Burgers, Dango, Vegetables, Chicken Salad, Snow Cones
* Games: Carnival Games, Gold Fish, Raffle Prizes

Come prepared to wander, socialize with your fellow group members, and enjoy a laid-back Saturday.

For more information on everything to see/do/eat, please visit here

Hope to see ya there. The food and Aikido alone have me going to it.