Bon Festival at the Morikami

It's been a few years since I've attended the Bon Festival at the Morikami in Delray Beach. The last time I visited, rain dampened the event and the turnout was not very impressive. This year, even with threatening weather yesterday, the turnout was enormous. One of my goals was to see the Taiko Drum performance by Fushu Daiko. I have seen them at various venues such as the South Florida Renaissance Festival and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and always managed to get front row seats. For the Bon Festival, they were playing under a huge tent and I was lucky to be standing 5 rows back on the outside. They performed like rock stars to an adoring crowd. Funny how much difference the venue makes.

The highlight of the evening is always the Toro Nagashi (lantern floating) and fireworks display. Show time was approaching but a severe storm was approaching even faster. With lighting flashing and rain beginning to fall,  I decided to head to the car. The sounds of an early fireworks display trailed behind me. Ah well. I still had a great time, great food, terrible pictures, and will know to bring an umbrella and grounding strap next year.