2008 Cherry Blossom Festival in Little Tokyo
Licensing |
On a beautiful spring Saturday, people from all over Los Angeles came out to Little Tokyo to enjoy live music, shopping and eating at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. This year's festival was on April 5 and 6, 2008.
Slides in this album |
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Spring in the cityCherry Blossom trees are not common in Southern California--palm trees feel more at home in our hot and dry weather. So even though we were missing the beauty of the sakura in full bloom, people came out to Little Tokyo to enjoy the beautiful day.
Street fair at the Cherry Blossom Festival |
Street fairThere were vendors of all kinds at the festival. Here are some vendors selling Hawaiian goods.
Hawaiian goods booths |
Do a good deed dailyThe local Boy Scout Troop participated as a way to drum up new scouts. Troop 379 has been a part of Little Tokyo for many many years. Unfortunately, few boys (and girls) are involved with scouting these days, so without new members, what will happen to the troop?
Koyasan Boy Scouts |
Fundraiser for kidsThese girls were selling cookies and drinks to raise money for their basketball team.
Basketball Fundraiser |
Takoyaki manTakoyaki is a Japanese treat sold at festivals. It is a ball made of flour with a piece of octopus inside. Trust me, it's really tasty!
Making takoyaki |
Hungry peopleThese people are waiting for their takoyaki!
Waiting in the food line |
OrigamiAt this booth, kids can make paper cranes and other arts and crafts.
Origami craft booth |
Cherry Blossom volunteersVolunteers young and old make the Cherry Blossom Festival a true community event.
Young Festival Volunteers |
Smile!This young volunteer is showing kids how to make a fortune cookie from felt. The kids can write their own fortune and put it inside the "cookie."
Craft booth fortune cookie |
Art Nakano - the one man bandArt Nakano has been a street performer for a long time. He was one of the entertainers at the festival.
Arthur Nakane, the one man band - close up |
Fun to watch!He can play the guitar, harmonica, keyboard, drums, even a tambourine at the same time!
Arthur Nakane, the one man band |
Out and aboutThis Little Tokyo resident is enjoying the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Senior citizen at the Cherry Blossom Festival |
Street dancersThese ladies are originally from the same prefecture in Japan. They enjoy getting together to participate in cultural events.
Yamaguchi-ken ladies |
Street dance
Street dance |
Close up of street dancer
Street dance performer |
Sumo demonstrationAt the martial arts stage, amateur sumo wrestlers show how they warm-up. Amateur sumo is very international and has weight-classes.
Sumo demonstration |
Kimono-clad coupleA young couple get into the spirit of the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Couple in kimono |
Cosplay kidsKids who are hard core anime fans like to dress up as their favorite characters and hang out in Little Tokyo.
Cosplayers at the Cherry Blossom Festival |