LIHUE — The Kauai Veterans Center is seeking vendors for its first bon dance, Aug. 30 and 31, in Lihue. Starting at 5 p.m. and running until 10 p.m. both nights, Aida Cruz, center manager, said the Kauai Veterans Council
LIHUE — The Kauai Veterans Center is seeking vendors for its first bon dance, Aug. 30 and 31, in Lihue.
Starting at 5 p.m. and running until 10 p.m. both nights, Aida Cruz, center manager, said the Kauai Veterans Council is seeking vendors to enhance the country store atmosphere of the bon dance.
“We have room for about 24 vendors,” Cruz said. “What we are looking for are suppliers of fresh produce and vegetables, clothing items, quilts, cut flowers, potted plants and vegetable starters, and the home-style items found at the bon dances.”
The deadline for vendors is Aug. 15. There is a registration fee of $50 for each night for each vendor.
The Kauai Veterans Council bon dance is being hosted at the Kauai Veterans Center and will follow the completion of the Kauai Buddhist Council schedule of bon dances.
“The bon dance is a tribute to the nisei, or second generation, Japanese soldiers who made up the greater part of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team,” Cruz said. “These soldiers were sons of people who were being moved into internment camps, and despite this situation, the sons went off to fight for their country.”
Cruz said bon dances were brought over to Hawaii by the early Japanese immigrants who arrived here as laborers for the plantations.
“These people were the parents of the Japanese soldiers who made up the heroic battle units,” Cruz said.
Because of its camaraderie and coming together, the practice was assimilated into the Hawaii lifestyle, its popularity continuing today.
In addition to paying tribute to the soldiers, Cruz said the bon dance serves as a fundraiser for the Kauai Veterans Council.
“There is no admission to enjoy the bon dance, but there will be a lot of the same kind of bon dance food like flying saucers, malasadas, pronto pups and shave ice,” Cruz said.
Rhandy Honjiyo of the Kauai Veterans Council said this is not a religious event, but a cultural one, and the public is welcome.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. to allow early birds time to look and shop at the many crafter booths, which will be there, and food booths will be available.
At 6 p.m. on both nights, the entertainment starts with a tribute by the Kasibulan Philippine Dance Company headed by Allan Villaflore.
The dance company will be performing a variety of regional dances of the Philippines before the bon dance starts at 7 p.m.
During the intermission, Taiko Kauai will perform Aug. 30. Aug. 31 night entertainment will include the Tsunami Taiko following the Kasibulan Dance Company. The Men of the Koi Dynasty will be dancing during the intermission.
Information: 246-1135
Bon Dance Calendar
Dance your way across the Garden Isle as Buddhist organizations across Kauai host this annual tradition. Each bon dance is a vibrant festival honoring those who have died. Enjoy taiko drumming, local kine grinds, keiki games and music.
June 28-29: Kauai Soto Zen Temple Zenshuji, 7 p.m. 1-3500 Kaumualii Hwy. Call 335-3521
July 5-6: Koloa Jodo Mission, 7:30 p.m. 3480 Waikomo Rd. Call 742-6735
July 6: Kauai Museum, 1:30 p.m. 4428 Rice St. Call 245-6931
July 12-13: West Kauai Hongwanji Hanapepe Temple, 7:30 p.m. 1-3860 Kamaulii Hwy. Call 338-1537
July 19-20: Lihue Hongwanji, 7:30 p.m. 3-3556-A Kuhio Highway. Call 245-6262
July 26-27: Waimea Shingon Mission, following 6:30 p.m. service. 3770 Pule Rd. Call 388-1854
Aug. 2-3: Kapaa Jodo Mission, 7:30 p.m. 4524 Hauaala Road. Call 822-4319
Aug. 9: Mahelona Hospital, 6 p.m. 4800 Kawaihau Rd. Call 822-4961
Aug. 16: Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital. 4643 Waimea Canyon Dr. Call 338-9431
Aug. 30-31: Kauai Veterans Center. 3215 Kapule Hwy. Call 246-1135
