Dancers in the 2023 Bon Odori at Gardena Buddhist Church.
GARDENA —?Gardena Buddhist Church, 1517 W. 166th St. in Gardena, will hold its annual Obon Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 3-4, from 3 to 9 p.m.
Food booths will offer chicken and beef teriyaki, Spam musubi, sushi (maki, inari and chirashi), dango, chili rice, shave ice, and corn on the cob. (Note: For those paying cash, $50 and $100 bills will not be accepted.)
There will also be carnival games, bingo, a craft boutique, a bounce house and a giant slide.
At 6 p.m. both days, come join one of the largest Bon Odori events in Southern California. Dancers are invited to bring their own uchiwa (round fans), hachimaki (headbands) and happi coats. The street is blocked and everyone is welcome to dance or come stake out a spot to listen to the live music amd taiko performance and watch the dancers.
For those interested in learning more about Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, Rev. John Iwohara will conduct temple tours and answer questions both days.
For more information, call (310) 327-9400, email [email protected] or visit www.gardenabuddhistchurch.org/obon-24.