Categorized | Entertainment

Honokaa’s ‘Moving Stage’ of music, dance & color (Sept. 22)

MEDIA RELEASE

Taiko drums, marching bands, bon dance, jazz, rock & roll, hula, cirque performers and more — Honokaa town is tuning up and dressing up for the 6th Annual Parade & Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace on Saturday, Sept. 22.

Stepping off at 10 a.m. from Honokaa High School, the Peace Day Parade is a “moving stage” of music, dance, colorful costumes and fun entertainment with a message.

Taiko drums, marching bands, bon dance groups, belly dancers, robots, rock & roll, hula halau, costumed school groups and senior citizens all perform their way down the town’s main Mamane Street, and wind up at the Sports Complex for the Peace Day Festival.

The Festival, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., features numerous craft and food booths, live music on stage, and a large community Bon Dance for everyone to join. Featured entertainment for the Parade & Festival includes “Elvis,” Hiccup Circus, Honokaa High School Jazz Band, the Big Time R&B Band, Honokaa Seniors Women’s Chorus, The Hawaii Island Festival’s Royal Court, and Kea‘au High School Band.

The Peace Committee is also planning the 5K “Peace Run-Walk,” “Read for Peace” programs in the library and school, a “Day of Mindfulness” and the popular annual Peace Poster Contest for students.

The Peace Poster Contest features entries from students in grades kindergarten through 12. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners in several categories.

“For the last several years we’ve honored local ‘Honokaa heroes’ in the Parade,” said Peace Committee Chairman Mile Okumura, “And this year, we’re excited to feature Mr. Everett Souza, who, for one shining moment was ‘The Fastest Man in America,’ holding the record in the 50-mile run. At age 14, he blew the competition away, and we’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of that feat.”

The United Nations has been celebrating the International Day of Peace for more than 25 years, but Peace Day became law in Hawaii in 2007 as a result of lobbying by the teen group, United Junior Young Buddhist Association.

Proceeds go toward community services, including educational programs, charities, environmental activism programs and various peace initiatives year-round.

Global connections. This year’s events will have international ties, partnered with concurrent Peace Day concerts and activities around the world via live streaming video.

These include: One Day One Dance, a program of founder Jeremy Gilley’s organization Peace One Day, and Playing for Change Day, a global multimedia musical project taking place on the same day. The Peace Committee is proud to be part of these initiatives and encourages readers to learn more and support their good works.

The 6th Annual Parade & Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace are presented by the Peace Committee of the Honokaa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in cooperation with the United Nations and numerous community organizations.

— Find out more:
www.peacedayparade.org

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