Ask Bonnie

Where: The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, FL 33446
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Bon Festival Overview
Inspired by Obon, Japan’s traditional three-day holiday honoring ancestors and thanking them for the quality of life enjoyed by the living, The Morikami celebrates Bon Festival in one fun-packed evening. Highlights include rousing taiko drum performances, traditional Japanese folk dancing with audience participation, and a street fair with games and vendor booths. The highlight of the evening begins at sunset when Morikami Pond is transformed into a tranquil sea of lighted lanterns which, in accordance with Japanese custom, guide the departure of ancestors’ souls who have come for a brief visit among the living. A special fireworks display caps the enchanting evening.
Admission
Regular admission is $10 Adults (18 and over), $5 children (7-17), free for museum members and children 6 and under. (No special senior discounts are available) Advanced Group Rates are available -
Food
There will be on-site food vendors serving a variety of food items. The Morikami’s own Cornell Cafe will also be open and serving Pan-Asian favorites.
Parking
Lantern Sales
Lantern sleeves for the Toro Nagashi (lantern floating) ceremony will be on sale starting at 5pm the night of the event. The cost is $5 per sleeve and is the perfect way to honor and remember a lost loved one. There is a limited amount of sleeves available and they cannot be purchased in advance. Make sure to get yours early in the evening as they sell out every year!
Entertainment Schedule
5:00pm - 9:00pm Ennichi Street Fair (games and activities for children)
5:15pm - 5:30pm Taiko Drum Performance by Fushu Daiko
5:45pm - 6:15pm Bon Odori (Bon Dance)
6:30pm - 7:00pm Taiko Drum Performance by Fushu Daiko
7:15pm - 7:45pm Bon Odori (Bon Dance)
8:00pm - 8:15pm Taiko Drum Performance by Fushu Daiko
8:30pm - 9:00pm Toro Nagashi (floating of the lanterns)
9:00pm Fireworks Display