The 59th annual Obon Carnival will be held at Zenshuji Soto Mission, 123 W. Hewitt St. (between First and Second streets) in Los Angeles, on Saturday and Sunday, July 9-10, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The temple’s biggest fundraiser of the year will feature food, entertainment, a farmer’s market, a white elephant sale, a raffle, Obon services and Bon Odori. The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, July 9
All day: Flower exhibition
12:30-4 p.m.: Tea ceremony
1:30 p.m.: Obon service
3:00 p.m.: Talent show
4:00 p.m.: Japanese folk dance by Tokushima Awa Odori
4:30 p.m.: Japanese Folk Dance by Hoshun-Kai
5:15 p.m.: Martial arts by Shorinji Kempo
5:45 p.m.: Taiko by Zendeko
6:30 p.m.: Bon Odori
Sunday, July 10
All day: Flower exhibition
12:30-4 p.m.: Tea ceremony
1:30 p.m.: Obon service
3:00 p.m.: Singing by Katharina Miyoshi and Jason Yu
3:30 p.m.: Martial arts by Shorinji Kempo
4:00 p.m.: Taiko by East L.A. Taiko
4:45 p.m.: Koto by Koto Zanmai
5:30 p.m.: Taiko by Zendeko and East L.A. Taiko
6:15 p.m.: Raffle drawing
6:30 p.m.: Bon Odori
Parking is free with permit. Stop by the carnival and pick up a map/permit for the following locations:
Main lot: Across First Street; enter from Temple Street
Kato’s Sewing Machine lot: Reserved for handicapped parking
• 830 Traction St: 20 spaces available
• 300 S. Central Ave: Available after 2 p.m.; shuttle service from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• 360 S. Alameda St.: All available; shuttle service from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• 713 E. Third St.: Reserved for performers
For more information, call (213) 624-8658 or visit www.zenshuji.org.