The Orange County Buddhist Church will observe Obon with services on July 8, Sunday.  Odori (dancing), and a bazaar-carnival will be during the weekend July 14th and 15th.  In Japan, Obon evolved from the religious custom of honoring the deceased with memorial services.  During this time, comparable holidays are observed throughout the Buddhist world.  A special service will be held on Sunday, July 8, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. with English guest speaker, Rev. Jim Yanagihara, Retired Minister Emeritus, and Japanese guest speaker, Rev. Masayuki Fukuma, Tacoma Buddhist Temple.  Hatsubon Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. in memory of those who have passed away since our last Obon in 2006.

The traditional Obon dance expresses joy for the teachings offered by the Buddha.  The movements depict the livelihood of the villagers such as fishermen, coal miners, and farmers.  Your participation with other temple dancers is welcome.

The bazaar-carnival  will feature many games for the young and old.  This year's raffle will offer many prizes, including the grand prize, "Trip for two to Tokyo, Japan" via America Airlines.  The drawing will be held on Sunday  at 8:30 p.m..  Winners need not be present to win.  We will have handicrafts and farm fresh produce at bargain prices.  Delicious Asian dishes such as beef and chicken teriyaki, sushi, udon (Japanese noodles), won ton, chow mein, corn, teriburgers, oriental chicken salad, Okinawa Dango (donuts), Imagawa Yaki (Sweet bean dessert), oden, soft drinks, snow cones and other treats will be available. 

The Hondo (sanctuary) will be open to any interested visitors and hosts from the Buddhist Education Center will be available to answer any questions.  Books on Buddhism will be sold at the entrance of the Hondo.

The public is cordially invited to attend all events including participation in the Obon dances.  Admission is FREE.  The Orange County Buddhist Church is located at 909 South Dale Avenue, just north of Ball Road in Anaheim.