Super Hero Bon Dance Kicks off Oahu Summer Reading Programs

Super Hero Bon Dance Kicks off Oahu Summer Reading Programs

A “Super Hero Bon Dance” 2015 Summer Reading Kick-off Event will be presented on the Great Lawn of the Hawaii State Library on Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entertainer Lina Girl will emcee this free special event.

Everyone is invited to wear a kimono, happi coat or favorite super hero costume and join costumed super heroes like Batman, Wonder Woman and Star Wars’ Storm Troopers at the Bon Dance from 10 a.m. to noon with live music performed by the Aiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi. In addition, real-life law enforcement and safety heroes will participate in the event to illustrate some of the various kinds of heroes that will be explored throughout our Summer Reading Programs. The bon dance event will provide a venue to celebrate our ancestors, who are heroes as well.

From noon until 2 p.m., participants can see an Okinawan Taiko Drum Performance by Chinagu Eisa Hawaii, enjoy a Children’s Japanese Dance Troupe Performance by Hanayagi Mitsusumi Dance Group, and experience Magic by the Amazing Alan Arita.

There will be special appearances throughout the event by Star Wars characters of the Pacific Outpost of the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion Hawaii Outpost, Hawaii Hero Alliance’s line up of superheroes, Lani Moo, Calci and Kawika from Meadow Gold Dairies and Ronald McDonald in the afternoon. Keiki can participate in children’s activities such as Make Your Own “Hachimaki” Headband and Fold a Samurai Hat, and enjoy interactive and informational booths by event sponsors. Participants can enter an andagi eating contest, enjoy refreshments, enter lucky drawings for prizes, and register for this year’s Summer Reading Programs.

Sponsors of this Kick-off event include: Hawaii Pizza Hut, McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii, First Insurance Company of Hawaii, HouseMart Ace Hardware and HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts, HONOLULU Family, Frito-Lay of Hawaii, Starbucks Coffee Company, Wholesale Unlimited, Diamond Bakery, Jamba Juice, Da Andagi Guy, Kamehameha Publishing, Bishop Museum, Polynesian Voyaging Society, and the event is funded in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in Hawaii by the State Librarian.

Readers of all ages are invited to participate in the 2015 Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) Summer Reading Programs from May 31 through July 18. Registration for the free seven-week programs at public libraries statewide begins on May 31. Dates may vary by library; contact your local library for dates and other guidelines.

Participants who visit their local library and read at least one book per week are eligible to receive a free reading incentive, while supplies last. In addition to reading, the programs will feature performances by artists from the University of Hawaii’s Statewide Cultural Extension Program. Performance programs will be highlighted on the HSPLS website.

For more information: visit http://www.librarieshawaii.org/summerreading,
like us at http://www.facebook.com/HSPLSHIgov, follow us on http://www.twitter.com/HSPLSHIgov, or call your local public library.