Ginza Fesitval Chicago

It is August and once again it is time for the Ginza Festival, where there are a deluge of people descending upon the Buddhist temple grounds in Old Town ! The Midwest Buddhist Temple has been a fixture in Old Town since July 1944, and has been located on its’ present site since 1948. For the past 59 years the Midwest Buddhist Temple has held the Ginza Festival in mid August. This festival is marked with artists, representing the different crafts that Japan is famous for, the festival has many different interesting exhibitions of art and nature. In addition, the guest artists do demonstration of their different techniques, these pieces can be purchased from the artists at he festival. On the main stage there are presentations including: dancing, Taiko Drum, Kendo (fencing). Aikido, Judo, etc…
In addition this year the festival was lucky enough to have Yoko Noge and Japanese combine their unique fusion of Japanese «Minho» folk music with Chicago Blues. It was fantastic, Yoko got everybody up out of their seats and involved in their music, the place was rocking! No one knew what was going to happen next, the music kept getting better and better!
Finally, don’t forget to purchase some of the famous teriyaki chicken made fresh right at the festival! There is always a line of people snaked around the food vendors waiting to purchase the chicken teriyaki meal. The scent of the teriyaki permeates the whole festival, motivating the customers to go and get that chicken. In addition, there are many other items that can be purchased with tickets from the food stands, such as: sushi, udon, vegetable plate, corn on the cob, edamame, sno cones, etc… Along with soda, lemonade, beer and sake are served with proof of ID.
I am giving the Ginza Festival five stars, it is done so well, there is a lot of teamwork involved in making this a continued successful event in the community. All the visitors are happy and respectful of each other, everyone looks like they are having a wonderful time and are content. This festival helps raise money for different programs throughout the year for the Midwest Buddhist Temple, which in turn gives back to the Old Town Community.
I can’t wait to see next years 60^th Ginza Festival, it should be outstanding!