NEWS RELEASE

Windward Mall Hosts Second Annual Bon Dance Festival

In partnership with the Windward Buddhist Temple and Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji, Windward Mall is pleased to bring the second annual Bon Dance Festival on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. in Center Court. The festival will feature dance performances, live Bon Dance music, traditional Japanese foods and bon dance items for sale.

WHAT: Windward Mall Second Annual Bon Dance Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1 from 4 to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Windward Mall Center Court

“We are thrilled to bring this bon dance festival to our community for the second time,” said Cesar Topacio, general manager of Windward Mall. “It’s an honor to celebrate the cultural traditions of our community here at the Center!”

The community is invited to enjoy dance performances by Ko‘olau Sakura Odori Kai and Iwakuni Odori Aiko Kai. Aiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi will play live Bon Dance music with singing, flutes, chimes, and the booming beat of the taiko. Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai will perform Okinawan live music with the sanshin, known for the similar sounds to a banjo, harmonizing with the drummers.

Windward Buddhist Temple will sell various foods like andagi, bitter melon namasu, banana bread, mango bread, boiled peanuts, and takuan at their booth. The booth will also sell framed bohi leaf, bon dance fans, and Windward Buddhist Temple bon dance towels. Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji Temple will sell sekihan (red bean sticky rice), sweet potato manju, and chinsuko cookie (Okinawan shortbread) at their booth. Crafts, clothing, fans, traditional bon dance hairpieces, and patchwork quilts will also be available for sale.

“We’re excited to host the second annual bon dance festival, and collaborate with our community partners and tenant ʻohana,” said Gary Evora, Kamehameha Schools commercial real estate senior asset manager. “This family-friendly event pays homage to the cultural diversity, shared histories, traditions, and significant relationships of this unique community.”

On Saturday, Oct. 1 customers who spend $100 in same-day receipts at Windward Mall retailers, eateries, and restaurants can receive a $10 retailer gift card. Participating are Big City Diner, Maruki-Tei, and Pieology Pizzeria. Receipts can be redeemed at the gift with purchase redemption table in Center Court from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

And for the keiki, Windward Mall will have complimentary fan decorating for its Ko‘olau Kids Club members on the second floor near Local Motion.

Photos and video from the 2019 event can be downloaded here (Courtesy Windward Mall).

For more information, please visit us at www.windwardmall.com or follow @WindwardMall on Facebook or Instagram for the latest updates.