HONOKAA — On Sept. 23, the 11th annual Peace Day Parade &Festival in Honokaa town will join 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.” Expressing serious messaging in creative, colorful and positive ways, the events will use music, dance, drumming, acrobatics and more to bring community together.
The Peace Day Parade will head down Mamane Street beginning at 11 a.m. that day, with the Peace Festival immediately following featuring live entertainment, a large community bon dance, food booths and keiki activities.
The adoption of the UN’s theme — intended to focus on refugees around the world — gives Honokaa and Hawaii 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.
“In times of insecurity, communities that look different become convenient scapegoats,” said Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement. “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.”
Related Peace Day events will take place through Sept. 30. Among these are a free Student Peace Poster Contest open to all ages, with cash prizes for the winners in various categories. Details and entry forms are available at www.peacedayparade.org or by contacting Alicia Glover at 724-3373 or heavenonearthgirl@gmail.com.
From 3:30-5;30 p.m. Sept. 21, young artists are encouraged to express their creativity on the sidewalks during the Friends of Honokaa Library’s Chalk the Walk free activity. All materials will be provided.
From 5-6 p.m. Sept. 22, the Blue Zones will host their concept of “Wine at 5” at Cafe Il Mondo to promote the philosophy 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. A special edition of the restaurant’s daily “Wine @ $5,” will offer three select wines for $5 each, 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.
Later that night from 7-9 p.m. extra hands are welcome to string cranes in groups of 50 at Sea Dandelion Cafe. 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.
Dancing Together for Peace will be from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hamakua. DJ RajaSick will share a large selection of tracks, including dance classics and musical vibes from all over the world. Admission is $5 cash and keiki are free.
From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sept. 30 Honokaa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will host “A Day of Mindfulness” in the Social Hall. Participants will experience guided sitting and walking meditation with Mary Grace Orr, a Dharma discussion with a Q&A and a mindful silent meal. Registration will be at 9:30 a.m. RSVP to honokaamindfulness@gmail.com, or call 775-1064. The event is free, and donations, or Dana, as offerings of generosity and gratitude for the teachings, will be 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.
Info: For more details, follow Peace Day Parade on Facebook, visit www.PeaceDayParade.org or email info@peacedayparade.org