Date: August 9, 2008
Bon Festival 2008
Saturday, August 9, 2008
5:00pm - 9:00pm
Presented by:
(The Morikami will be closed during normal hours of operation on this day in preparation for the event and will open at 5:00pm)
CLICK HERE for pictures of past Bon Festivals!!
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 ticket sales are only available for groups of 10 or more. Please click here for a group order form. All forms MUST be received by Wednesday, July 30, 2008.
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.
For a complete menu and pricing, please click here.
Parking
On-site parking is provided FREE of charge.
ATM
There are no ATM's on the grounds of The Morikami. Please plan accordingly.
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 $6 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
*Entertainment schedule subject to change without notice*
Bon Festival "Words of Wisdom"
This event is held outdoors and is rain or shine. There is a lot of walking involved and most of the activities are on grass - please be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing as August tends to be a very hot month in Florida and the walk from your car to the festival grounds may be lengthy. For further event information, please call 561-495-0233 x200.
