3rd Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

Date: May 31, 2009
Time: 12:00 pm — 6:00 pm
Location: Allen County Public Library

Join in the fun at the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate the relationship between Fort Wayne and its sister city, Takaoka, Japan. It will be a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of Japanese culture by celebrating the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms as it is celebrated in Japan.

At the Cherry Blossom Festival, enjoy Japanese games and crafts, the Taste of Japan food vendors, martial arts Dojo demonstrations, and Bonsai displays. Watch Haiku presentations and view or try to create Anime art. There will be special performances by internationally known Minyo Japanese Dancers from Indianapolis, professional local musicians such as Dorothy Kittaka and others. Kabuki Dancers and Taiko Drummers will also be there.This fun and exciting family event will be held at the Downtown Allen County Public Library. It is a wonderful event that you won't want to miss.

Opening Ceremony by the Hickory Center Husky Choir, singing the Star Spangled Banner and the Japanese National Anthem, and Sakura, Cherry Blossom (in Japanese) directed by Diane Barton NACS music specialist and accompanied by Yoko Kimura, Koto Musician.

• Mayor Tom Henry with the City Proclamation
• Fort Wayne Taiko
• Minyo Japanese Dancers from Indianapolis

Throughout the afternoon in the ACPL Theater

• Kabuki Dancers
• Yoko Kimura, Koto, Shamisen, voice
• Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Other performances

On the outdoor plaza

• Karaoke contest
• Fort Wayne Taiko
• Martial Arts (5 -6 different groups will be demonstrating)
• Minyo Dancers (colorful Japanese costumed dancers)

TASTE OF JAPAN  - You may buy authentic Japanese food provided by:

• Yokohama Restaurant with Yakisoba, Yakitori, Oden, Sushi
• Toyko Seoul Restaurant (sushi making demonstration) plus Japanese food for sale
• Oriental Food Store, Japanese candies, drinks, ice cream, crackers etc.

Contests held in meeting rooms ABC

• Anime Contest
• Haiku Contest

 Activities in the ACPL Great Hall

• Ikebana, Japanese flower arranging displays and workshop

by award winning artist of Ikebana, Chigako Kato  

• Ikebana Contest for those making the flower arrangements
• Bonsai display, demonstration and sales
• Origami making and demonstration (Mike Schmid and Janice Furtner)
• Cherry Tree Blossom, Origami (with Japanese School students)
• Calligraphy
• Kamishibai (Japanese Story Cards) performed by Dorothy Kittaka
• Japanese kite and toys hand made by Mr. Kaneko from Chicago
• Videos of Japanese Culture - continuous

Contact for more information:  Dorothy Kittaka, 260-704-3985