Cherry Blossom Celebration on May 4 Recap

Gray skies and damp ground did not stop our Cherry Blossom Celebration on May 4.Amazingly, almost 300 people came to our event in spite of the weather, and they enjoyed taiko, crafts, dance, and a solemn blessing of the trees. We received TV publicity, with Vice President Jessica Bemlott appearing on KSTP on April 28, and Fox9 morning show promoting our event the morning of the Fourth. Sahan Journal posted a TikTok of JoAnn Blatchley, SPNSCC President, online. Harisen Daiko began the program with two pieces, Buddhist priest Chiemi Bly rang a bell and chanted a blessing for the trees. We officially postponed the event until 10:30 am, but people began gathering at 9:30 and stayed to dance with Sansei Yonsei Kai at 11. Thanks to the students in Hamel-sensei’s class at Southwest High School who demonstrated ikebana and from Brandt-sensei’s class who wrote people’s names in Katagana. Cha Ami brought their own tent and crafts, and we had origami and uchiwa fan making by SPNSCC members as well. It was a heartwarming morning—everyone dancing in the circle had a lot of fun together. Special thanks to the above mentioned groups and individuals, and to Tia Gage for our lovely poster and keeping track of our volunteers. Robert Palmer did his usual setup of our space (I hope you noticed our new banners which Fusako Muro bought for SPNSCC in Japan) and Bill Pesek worked quietly behind the scenes. Thanks also to SPNSCC members Lindsay Arnett, Aiko Fisher, Amy Kelley, Elizabeth Simmer and others who stepped up to dry off the tables and lead craft-making.

Photos of SYK dancers taken by JoAnn Blatchley and Alejandro SF.

PopUp Hanami

Thanks to Linda Hashimoto van Dooijeweert and Sansei Yonsei Kai for organizing a Pop Up Hanami on Sunday, April 21 under the cherry trees at Como Park. It was a beautiful day and many people visited the Sakura blooms. Six groups or individuals performed to J-Pop music. It was a fun afternoon!