The Mendocino Sister Cities Association is thrilled to host our 4th annual Japanese Obon Festival.

There will be a variety of entertainment, including FREE ADMISSION Stage Performances, Art Market by local artists, Hands-On Project Table to provide cultural experiences for all ages, and delicious Japanese foods.

The stage performances are Shakuhachi bamboo flute by Karl Young, Taiko Drumming by MendoTaiko, Japanese Dance by Hakata Kai, Japanese-Inspired World Music by Ancient Current, Redwood Coast Ukulele Jam, and UkiaHaiku.

Ten local artists will have their pop-up shops with various arts, such as ceramics, jewelry, textile, and photography.

At our Hands-On Project Tables, you will learn various Japanese arts and crafts from Furoshiki, gift wrapping with cloth, Henna with Japanese characters, Ikebana, Japanese style Flowers Arrangement, Naire your name in Japanese on a bookmarks and others to personalize your artwork, Suminagashi, floating Ink Marbling, Origami, Paper Folding Art, and Uchiwa, Japanese fan collage. All ages are welcome, costing $3 to $10.

There will be a wide range of foods for purchase: Mochi Cake, Kawaii Sweets, and Gluten-Free Baked Goods by Happy Hermit. Take’s Grill will provide Bento and Yakisoba.

The net proceeds from this festival will be donated to the Mendocino Sister Cities Association (MSCA), the long-standing local organization dedicated to nurture a friendship between Mendocino and Omachi-Miasa, Japan. Over 33 years, MSCA supports our Student Exchange Program as well as an Artist Exchange Program. MSCA is 501C non-profit organization, and we appreciate your donations for our program and activities.