Let’s Draw Crowds at the Event That Draws Crowds

One of the most popular cultural events in Hawai’i happens every year during the Labor Day weekend. It’s the 42nd Annual Okinawan Festival!

This event attracts thousands of locals and tourists, some traveling from other countries to participate and enjoy the dance, music, crafts and of course food. The andagi lines rival those of major theme parks so be prepared. You can check out the events on their website.

For us Urban Sketchers, let’s meet:

Saturday, August 31, 11:30am
(Sketching time is 10-11:30am)
Hawai’i Convention Center
In front of the statue

If you plan to attend, keep in mind of the challenges:

1. Although you are more than welcome to sketch outside of the Convention Center and in the lobby, to enter the festival is $10 adult/$5 senior. With the price of admission, there is plenty of free entertainment, craft booths, and a marketplace. But food will require purchasing scripts.
2. Parking is extremely limited at the Convention Center. But there are other options including a shuttle service and a paid parking option at Ala Moana Shopping Center. Thank you Noah for suggesting this. https://www.instagram.com/p/C-jR0HavPqH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D&img_index=1
3. Expecting big crowds, we will not meet at 10am, like we usually do. Instead, please come early and start sketching on your own from 10 to 11:30. Then meet at the statue at 11:30 to share our sketches and take our traditional group photo.
4. Be sure to RSVP by Friday August 30 at uskoahu@gmail.com so I know to expect you.

Also Noah mentioned he will be playing bass with the group Yuttai Kwattai on the entertainment stage at 2:15. They perform contemporary style music with lyrics in the Okinawan language (uchinaguchi).

Since we are meeting twice this month, we will not be meeting in September.

Hope to see all your smiling faces on August 31. Until then, happy sketching!
Terri