CONCORD — The Diablo Japanese American Club’s Summer Festival is the annual fundraiser for the Japanese American Religious and Cultural Center (JARCC). It is a very popular and highly anticipated event for many in the community and elsewhere throughout the East Bay.
This year’s festival will take place Saturday, Aug. 11, from 1 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 12, from 12 to 8:30 p.m. The JARCC is located at 3165 Treat Blvd. in Concord. Admission is free.
Free parking is available at nearby Ygnacio Valley High School, 755 Oak Grove Rd., along with free shuttle service to and from the school.
There will be games for the kids; cultural performances, exhibits and demonstrations; and, of course, the food. Some of the things festival visitors can enjoy include the following:
• Koto at 2 p.m. Saturday
• Diablo Taiko at 3 p.m. Saturday; San Jose Taiko at 6 p.m. Saturday; additional taiko performances at 3 and 5 p.m. Sunday
• Judo at 4:30 p.m. Saturday
• Kendo at 4 p.m. Sunday
• Ikenobo ikebana demonstration at 2 p.m. Sunday
• Matsutoyo Kai (folk songs and dancing) at 7 p.m. Saturday
• Michiya Hanayagi (classical dancing) at 6 p.m. Sunday
• Bon Odori at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 6:30 p.m. Sunday
• Raffle drawing at 8:30 p.m. Sunday (need not be present to win)
• Exhibits of ikebana, bonsai and calligraphy
• Crafts boutique
• Homemade bake shop (cookies, pies, manju)
• Food booths featuring sushi, chicken teriyaki dinners, tempura, udon, barbecued beef teriyaki skewers, gyoza, hot dogs, shaved ice, soda, bottled water, beer
For more information, visit www.diablojaclub.com.