GARDENA — On Sunday, Oct. 4, the Okinawa Association of America (OAA) invites you to their annual bazaar in Gardena.
This is the only annual festival in L.A. that celebrates Okinawan culture, bringing the community together for an afternoon of delicious food and soulful entertainment.
The OAA, a cultural non-profit organization formed by Okinawan immigrants more than 100 years ago, also uses this event as their annual fundraiser.
Food booths will include favorites like andagi(Okinawan dango), Okinawa soba, and teriyaki combo plates and limited specials like ashitibichi(pig’s feet), rafute(pork belly) sliders and donburi, beni-imo(purple potato) ice cream, and taco rice (literally taco ingredients over rice).
The all-day entertainment program will include Okinawan and Hawaiian music/dance, karate demonstrations, and contemporary performances. Guest performers include the El Marino Language School’s fourth-grade eisaa(Okinawan drum-dancing) group and the Grateful Crane Ensemble.
Raffle tickets are only $1 with great prizes: $300 grand prize, $200 Amazon gift card, gift basket from Jake Shimabukuro, and more. Starting your holiday shopping early? There will be a limited supply of merchandise from Okinawa (books, CDs, postcards, souvenirs, stickers).
Kids’ activities include carnival games, drawing/coloring, crafts, and the Warabi Eisaa Workshop, where they can make their own Okinawan hand drum (paranku).
The bazaar will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the OAA Center, 16500 S. Western Ave., Gardena. Parking available in nearby residential areas. Early arrival recommended (popular food/merchandise items sell out quickly). For more information, to donate, or to sign up as a volunteer, call (310) 532-1929, email [email protected], or visit oaamensore.org.