GARDENA — The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute’s 2014 carnival is set for Saturday, June 28, from 12 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, June 29, from 12 to 7 p.m. at 1964 W. 162nd St. in Gardena.
The GVJCI’s two-day fundraiser is held at the end of June every year, offering food, games, entertainment, and cultural demonstrations.
Organizations and individuals who use the GVJCI facilities throughout the year support the GVJCI by running the game and food booths. The delicious food dishes include udon, somen, chicken and beef teriyaki, yakisoba, imagawayaki, chili hot dogs and rice, tamales, Spam musubi, lau lau, shaved ice, and Okinawan andagi. In addition, supporting nurseries and produce businesses generously donate fresh vegetables, fruits, and plants for the produce market booth.
Outdoor stage entertainment showcases the many classes and programs held at the GVJCI, such as line dancing, ukulele, and taiko as well as guest performances such as hula, Japanese dance, youth community bands, and more. In addition, game booths provide even more entertainment for all with games ranging from basketball to pachinko.
Downstairs in the JCI Hall are the martial arts demonstrations and White Elephant and Craft Sale. The martial arts dojos that utilize the GVJCI facilities on a weekly basis provide breathtaking demonstrations, which include judo, kendo, naginata, Shorinji kempo, and Shotokan karate. The White Elephant and Craft Sale has many treasures waiting to be found at bargain prices.
On the second floor of the JCI Hall is a themed library known as The Bridge: JCI Heritage Center complete with a tokonoma display decorating the hallway. Used books are sold at the book sale alongside hands-on activities and arts and crafts, and the Japanese Language School display.
Bingo starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday with cash prizes. Additionally, there are hourly prize drawings on both days with donated prizes from local businesses and individual supporters. Some prizes include restaurant meals, jewelry, electronics and movie tickets. Winners need not be present to win.
The JCI office and supporting organizations pre-sell carnival coupon books. Each book costs $10 and includes 10 individual one dollar scrip that are redeemable at all carnival booths, as well as stubs that can be turned in for the hourly raffle drawing.
For more information, call (310) 324-6611 or visit http://jci-gardena.org/.
Entertainment Schedule
Saturday, June 28
Outdoors
12 to 12:20 p.m. — GVJCI Taiko – Tom Kurai
12:25 to 12:30 p.m. — MAPFRE/Commerce West Insurance donor presentation
12:30 to 12:45 p.m. — 2014 GVJCI Scholarship awardees
12:50 to 1:10 p.m. — Fujima Seiyumi Kai
1:15 to 1:30 p.m. — GVJCI Senior Ukulele Group – Ken Kanomata
1:35 to 1:55 p.m. — SSJAM – Joey Kamiya and Genie Nakano
JCI Hall (Basement Level)
2 to 2:20 p.m. — Kaizen Dojo demonstration
Outdoors
2:25 to 2:40 p.m. — Halau Ke’ Ala O Na Lei Milo
2:45 to 2:55 p.m. — Ken and Kelly Dekatani
3 to 3:20 p.m. — Na Pua O Lanaki
JCI Hall
3:25 to 3:45 p.m. — Southern California Kyudo Renmei demonstration
3:50 to 4:10 p.m. — Southern California Naginata Federation demonstration
4:15 to 4:35 p.m. — Gardena JCI Kendo demonstration
Outdoors
5 to 9 p.m. — Bingo
Sunday, June 29
Outdoors
12 to 12:30 p.m. — GVJCI Senior Ukulele and Hula Group – Chika and Harriet Nagata
12:35 to 1:05 p.m. — Kanani Kalama Hula Studio
JCI Hall
1:10 to 1:30 p.m. — Shorinji Kempo-South Bay Branch demonstration
1:35 to 1:55 p.m. — Gardena Kendo Club demonstration
Outdoors
2 to 2:20 p.m. — Aloha Picking Ohana – Mel Ogata
2:30 to 2:45 p.m. — GVJCI Line Dance – Terri Slemmons and Jean Inouye
2:50 to 3:10 p.m. — SSJAM – Michael Murata and Paul Chang
JCI Hall
3:15 to 3:35 p.m. — Gardena Judo Club demonstration
3:40 to 4 p.m. — American Shotokan Karate of California demonstration
Outdoors
4 to 7 p.m. — Bingo