Parade & Festival for United Nations International Day of Peace – Saturday, September 22, 2012

Taiko drums, marching bands, bon dance, jazz, rock & roll, hula, cirque performers and more—Honoka‘a town is tuning up and dressing up for the 6th Annual Parade & Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace, Saturday, September 22, 2012.  Stepping off at 10 a.m. from Honoka‘a High School, the Peace Day Parade is a “moving stage” of music, dance, colorful costumes and fun entertainment with a message.

Afterwards, a free community Peace Day Festival takes place at the Honoka‘a Sports Complex from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with great local and ethnic foods, artists and crafters, live entertainment and a large community Bon Dance for everyone to join.  The Peace Committee of Honoka‘a Honpa Hongwanji Buddhist temple, producers of the annual festivities, are now accepting booth applications from community groups, food and other vendors for the Festival.

The Peace Committee is also planning the 5K “Peace Run-Walk,” (Details coming soon to www.peacedayparade.org), “Read for Peace” programs in the library and school, a “Day of Mindfulness” and the popular annual Peace Poster Contest for students.

The Peace Poster Contest welcomes entries from students in grades kindergarten through 12, willing to take time to express their thoughts on the theme “Aloha Peace” by Friday, September 14. The contest is free to enter, and cash prizes are awarded to the winners in several categories.  Detailed information is available at: www.peacedayparade.org

“For the last several years we’ve honored local ‘Honoka‘a heroes’ in the Parade,” said Peace Committee Chairman Mile Okumura, “And this year, we’re excited to feature Mr. Everett Souza, who, for one shining moment was “The Fastest Man in America,’ holding the record in the 50-mile run.   At age 14, he blew the competition away, and we’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of that feat.”

The United Nations has been celebrating the International Day of Peace for more than 25 years, but Peace Day became law in Hawai‘i in 2007 as a result of lobbying by the teen group, United Junior Young Buddhist Association.  Proceeds go towards community services, including educational programs, charities, environmental activism programs and various peace initiatives year-round.
The 6th Annual Parade & Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace are presented by the Peace Committee of the Honoka‘a Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in cooperation with the United Nations and numerous community organizations.  The Peace Committee continues to seek additional support. Go to their website for information on sponsorship, contributions (including for the Silent Auction) and purchasing t-shirts:  www.PeaceDayParade.org or email info@peacedayparade.org

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