GARDENA — The Okinawa Association of America Inc. (OAA) is having its annual bazaar on Sunday, Oct. 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the OAA Center, 16500 S. Western Ave. in Gardena. Spend the afternoon with family and friends while enjoying the flavors and performing arts of Okinawa.
The lunch menu will feature delicious andagi (the best Okinawan dango in town), Okinawan soba, teriyaki bento, taco rice, Spam musubi, kakiage (vegetable tempura), plus more. A new item will also be introduced: ashitibichi (pig’s feet). As they say in Okinawa, “Kwachisabira (itadakimasu)!”
The bazaar, which is OAA’s only annual fundraiser event, has become a platform for the younger generations to present and hone their skills in traditional Okinawan dance, music, and taiko. There will also be karate demonstrations and special guest Hawaiian performances from Hickory Elementary School (hula) and Mel Ogata’s Aloha Picking Ohana Ensemble (ukulele).
Children will enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, games, and fun prizes, plus the third annual Warabi Eisaa Workshop, where they will make their own drums, learn a short “eisaa” drum dance, and perform it for the audience.
Get a head-start on your holiday shopping with homemade crafts, OAA merchandise, and a limited number of Okinawan CDs and books. If you’re a bargain shopper, visit the produce booth for fresh plants and vegetables or browse through the rummage sale.
Call (310) 532-1929 or email mensore@earthlink.net for more information. Menu and schedule are available at oaamensore.org.
