BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SAN DIEGO
2929 MARKET STREET, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92102-3227
(619) 239-0896 // Fax: (619) 239-1322
E-mail: info@btsd.net // Website: www.btsd.net


ADULT BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION // BUDDHIST WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION // DHARMA SCHOOL // ZENBU
YOUNG ADULT BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION // SR. YOUNG BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION // JR. YOUNG BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION
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For Immediate Release or Prior to Event of JUNE 4, 2006
Contact Person: Joyce Teague, 619/527-7855, zenbu@cox.net

JAPANESE CULTURAL BAZAAR
Offers Food, Exhibits & Family Fun

Taiko drummers, koto music, Japanese singers and folk dancers, along with martial arts demonstrations and ikebana, bonsai and sumi-e displays, will take center stage at the 2006 JAPANESE CULTURAL BAZAAR. The annual community event, presented by the Buddhist Temple of San Diego, will be held Sunday, June 4, 11:00 to 5:00, at 2929 Market Street near downtown San Diego. Admission is free and the public is welcome.

JAPANESE CULTURE: Performances and demonstrations, scheduled for every half hour, include: Masazumi Kai Koto Ensemble, Shokenji Taiko, Bon Odori (folk dance), San Diego Japanese Chorus, San Diego Kendo Bu, bonsai expert Fred Miyahara of the Japanese Friendship Garden, an anime drawing workshop by Billy Martin, and a class on the game of Go. Also scheduled are exhibits of ikebana, sumi-e (brush painting) bonsai, kokeshi (nodding dolls) and Girls Day dolls, mingei toys, Japanese wooden tops, netsuke, and a Boys Day armor display.

INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM and HONDO TOUR at 11:30 am: The day-long event gives the public the opportunity to visit the beautiful hondo (altar area) of San Diego County’s first Buddhist temple, established in 1936. The main altar was beautifully refurbished this year in Kyoto in celebration of the temple’s 80th anniversary.

ETHNIC FLAVORS: Favorites include sushi, teriyaki chicken, chow mein, beef curry, Angie’s tacos, tofu tacos, yaki imo, hot dogs, shave ice, kintoki, and mouth-watering home-baked pies, cakes, and Japanese confections like fresh strawberry mochi.

SAMPLE & BROWSE: There are flowers, plants and farm-fresh produce; handcrafts, handmade jewelry, gift items, a White Elephant sale; bakery; and a Buddhist bookstore. The Silent Auction offers giftware, vintage Japanese items, ikebana arrangements, tickets to local attractions, merchant services, and other desirable items for bid.

FOR THE KIDS: Game booths and a popular crafts room offer fun challenges. Anime workshop at 12:30 pm and an ongoing Kids Silent Auction features items exclusively for kids.

BINGO/DRAWING/DOOR PRIZES: Bingo for cash and other prizes is scheduled from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Door prizes are awarded hourly. The day ends at 5:00 p.m. with a benefit drawing for a $1000 grand prize and dozens of other terrific prizes.

THE EVENT IS FREE, PUBLIC IS WELCOME: The Buddhist Temple of San Diego is located at 2929 Market Street. For information or directions: (619) 239-0896 or info@btsd.net.