Morikami’s 2009 Bon Festival Will Meld Tradition, Entertainment And Fun For The Whole Family August 8, 2009

Delray Beach – July 8, 2009 – Inspired by Japan’s three-day Obon holiday honoring the spirits, The Morikami’s 32nd annual Bon Festival packs all of the celebration’s excitement into one fun-filled evening. Being held from 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, the festival will follow the holiday’s tradition of remembering ancestors and thanking them for the living’s quality of life with cultural activities, entertainment and food, as well as a sea of illuminated lanterns and fireworks.

The event, which draws audience members from across the country, will feature taiko drum performances by Fushu Daiko, a street fair with games, traditional Japanese folk dancing, American & Japanese cuisine, and the Kirin Beer Garden.

As is tradition at The Morikami’s Bon Festival, when night falls, patrons pay homage to those who have passed on by floating individually decorated candlelit lanterns on Morikami Pond, a traditional Japanese ceremony known as Toro Nagashi. The myriad of lights created by the floating lanterns signifies the guidance of departed souls back to where they came after their brief visit. There will be 600 lanterns available for $10 each and they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

“The Bon Festival continues to be a heartfelt tradition for many South Floridians,” said Kizzy Sanchez, Events Manager at The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. “This festival is a staff favorite. We look forward to welcoming back all those who celebrate with us on a yearly basis and introducing Obon to those who will visit for the first time.”

The evening will culminate with a brilliant fireworks display over Morikami Pond.

Admission to the 2009 Bon Festival is $10 for adults (ages 18+), $5 for children (ages 4-17) and Free for Museum members and Children 3 and under. Tickets may also be purchased online by going to www.morikami.org/bon.

Please note that the museum and gardens will be closed from 10am – 5pm in preparation for the festival on the day of the event.

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, is owned and operated by the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department, in public-private partnership with The Morikami, Inc. The Morikami is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach off Jog Road between Linton Boulevard and Clint Moore Road. Regular admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $6 for children and students ages 7 to 17 and free for members and kids 6 and under. For more information about The Morikami, its exhibitions and programs, call 561-495-0233 or visit www.morikami.org.

Official Website: http://www.morikami.org