Hawai‘i Island’s Peace Day Parade & Events Set for September

Peace Day Parade & Festival in Honoka‘a. Courtesy photo.

Participants and spectators at the 11th annual Peace Day Parade & Festival in Honoka‘a town on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, will be joining millions of people across the planet, to honor the values of peace, compassion and global interdependence.

This year’s theme, “Together for Peace,” echoes the United Nations’ theme for Peace Day: “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All.”

The adoption of the UN’s theme—intended to focus on refugees around the world—gives Honoka‘a and Hawai‘i Island the opportunity to stand with other global communities supporting peace locally.

In light of recent events that further divide a troubled world, it also takes on new relevance, event organizers said.

“In times of insecurity, communities that look different become convenient scapegoats,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “We must resist cynical efforts to divide communities and portray neighbors as ‘the other.’ Discrimination diminishes us all. It prevents people, and societies, from achieving their full potential… Together, let us stand up against bigotry and for human rights. Together, let us build bridges. Together, let us transform fear into hope.”

Peace Day Parade & Festival in Honoka‘a. Courtesy photo.

Expressing serious messaging in creative, colorful and positive ways, these worldwide events use music, dance, drumming, acrobatics and more in an effort to bring the community together.

The Peace Day Parade in Honoka‘a will begin on Mamane Street at 11 a.m. The Peace Festival starts immediately afterward, with live entertainment, a large community bon dance, food booths and keiki activities.

Related Peace Day events will take place from Sept. 14 through 30 (see “SCHEDULE OF EVENTS” below).

For more information and updates, visit www.PeaceDayParade.org or email info@peacedayparade.org.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

STUDENT PEACE POSTER CONTEST

This year’s theme, “Together for Peace,” echoes the United Nations’ theme for Peace Day this year. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners in various categories. The contest is open to all ages, all grades, all school students and homeschoolers. Details and entry forms are available at www.peacedayparade.org, or contact Alicia Glover at (808) 724-3373 or heavenonearthgirl@gmail.com. Free.

Peace Day Parade & Festival in Honoka‘a. Courtesy photo.

READ FOR PEACE

On Thursday, Sept. 14, 5 to 6 p.m., “Read for Peace” in the Honoka‘a Library will be presented by the Friends of the Libraries. All are invited for an engaging conversation about John Vaillant’s The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival, an international bestseller that has been translated into 15 languages. Film rights have been optioned by Plan B, Brad Pitt’s production company.

Publisher’s Weekly has said, “Over millennia of shared history, the indigenous inhabitants had worked out a tenuous peace with the Amur, a formidable hunter that can grow to over 500 pounds and up to nine feet long, but the arrival of European settlers, followed by decades of Soviet disregard for the wilds, disrupted that balance… [the book] leads readers into the lair of the tiger and into the heart of the Kremlin to explain how the Amur went from being worshipped to being poached.”

Additional books in the project are The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and The Wise Heart by Jack Kornfield. Kornfield was teacher of Mary Grace Orr, who will lead the Sept. 30 Day of Mindfulness. Readers are welcome to bring their favorite books that further the discussion of attaining peace.

199,000 CRANES

The Peace Committee has reached its goal of gathering a “flock” of 199,000 origami cranes, one representing each victim of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They are now working on a unique three-dimensional interactive exhibition of the cranes to share with the public as part of the Peace Day events.

Still in the planning stages with a community of artists and creatives, the ultimate goal is to take the exhibit to Hiroshima as a gift. Extra hands are welcome to string the cranes in groups of 50: at the Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hāmākua on First Friday; at Hāmākua Harvest, 10 a.m. to noon; and Sept. 22, 7 to 9 p.m. at Sea Dandelion Cafe ($10 dinner special).

CHALK THE WALK

Thursday, Sept. 21, 3:30-5:30 p.m., at the Honoka‘a public library: Young artists are encouraged to come and express themselves on the sidewalks. A free activity for youth presented by the Friends of Honoka‘a Library; all materials provided. Free.

WINE @ $5

Friday, Sept. 22, 5 p.m. at Cafe Il Mondo: The Blue Zones’ concept of “Wine at 5” suggests that people live longer when they take time out of their schedule to de-stress and enjoy socializing with friends in the community with good food and a relaxing drink. Cafe Il Mondo supports this concept with a special edition of their daily “Wine @ $5,” offering three select wines for $5 each, from 5 to 6 p.m., plus free samplings of wines from Blue Zones regions of the world, while they last. Entertainment will include the New Dharma Band as well as local favorites Sergio Ramirez and Robin Jensen.

Peace Day Parade & Festival in Honoka‘a. Courtesy photo.

PEACE DAY PARADE & FESTIVAL

Saturday, Sept. 23: The 11th Annual Parade & Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace steps off at 11 a.m. Mamane Street will be closed for this colorful and entertaining celebration, with Taiko drumming, hula and all kinds of music. The Peace Day Festival follows immediately, with food booths, a variety of music, bon dance, silent auction and more.

CommUNITY Dance Party – Dancing Together for Peace

Saturday, Sept. 23, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hāmākua: A “commUNITY” gathering to embrace music and dancing as the perfect way to reduce stress and increase energetic vibrations of positivity into our lives. DJ RajaSick will be sharing a huge selection of tracks, including dance classics and musical vibes from all over the world. (Requests can be sent in advance to DJRajaSick@gmail.com). Admission is $5 (cash only) and keiki are free. Fresh Hawaiian ‘awa and Big Island Booch will be available for sale at $4. This is a family friendly event produced by Sea Dandelion Cafe. Plant-based vegetarian potluck dishes are welcome.

A DAY OF MINDFULNESS

Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (registration at 9:30 a.m.), in the Social Hall, Honoka‘a Hongwanji Buddhist Temple: Participants will experience guided sitting and walking meditation with Mary Grace Orr, a Dharma discussion with Q&A and a mindful, silent meal. RSVP to honokaamindfulness@gmail.com or call (808) 775-1064. The Day of Mindfulness is free and donations (dana) as offerings of generosity and gratitude for the teachings, will be gratefully accepted. No prior meditation experience is necessary. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch and a cushion. Chairs and additional meditation cushions will be available. For more information and updates, visit www.PeaceDayParade.org or email info@peacedayparade.org.