PASADENA —?Pasadena Buddhist Temple hosted a one-day Obon festival on July 20, and judging by the robust turnout, the community was eager for the annual summer gathering.

The day began inside the Hondo with incense offerings to loved ones who have passed away over the course of the last year.

The Pasadena Obon has long been a favorite for its food offerings. This year, chirashi-zushi and grilled unagi were hot sellers, along with chow mein, Spam musubi, corn on the cob and more.

The summer weather was certainly in full effect, so festival-goers combated the heat with a bevy of refreshments, including shave ice, chilled watermelon and the ever-popular beer garden.

Among the attractions this year was a show of tricks and illusions by professional magician Wayne Kawamoto.

Games, community group booths, flower and plant offerings and a white elephant sale rounded out a full slate of activities and opportunities.

This year’s Nisei Week queen candidates were introduced, and a thundering performance by L.A. Taiko Ichiza set guests into a dancing mood ahead of the traditional Bon Odori.

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