Humboldt Obon Fest

Humboldt Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity (HAPI) invites the community to the third Annual Humboldt Obon Festival on Sunday, August 11, 4-8 P.M., in front of the Arcata Playhouse, in the Creamery District, 1251 9th Street, Arcata. Obon is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one's ancestors. Rinban Gerald Sakamoto, minister for the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, will return this year to bless the Festival and share the stories and traditions of Obon. There will again be an altar to honor our ancestors, food vendors (Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine), children’s activities, music, Bon dancing, and more.

HAPI has a call for volunteers to help staff booths, direct traffic, decorate and set up, work concessions, take down, security, recycling and trash patrol, and other duties as needed. It takes a village to put on Obon, and each year the festival grows. To volunteer, contact Kim…