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    The event began with traditional Japanese shakuhachi flute music by Rick Kruse.
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    The Obon ceremonial opening was presented by Rinban Gerald Sakamoto, minister for the San Jose Betsuin Buddhist Church.
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    Everyone – including Totoro – was invited to join in Bon Odori, traditional Japanese folkdancing, led by Craig Kurumada.
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    Everyone was invited to join in Bon Odori, traditional Japanese folkdancing, led by Craig Kurumada.
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    Bon Odori, traditional Japanese folkdancing, was led by Craig Kurumada with Gary Ronne on Taiko drum.
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    Everyone – including Totoro – joined in Bon Odori, traditional Japanese folkdancing, led by Craig Kurumada.
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    Artist Cate Be from CBe Ceramics stepped away from her vendor table to join in Bon Odori, traditional Japanese folkdancing, led by Craig Kurumada.
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    Food vendors offered a variety of Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine.
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    Alex Ozaki McNeill’s daughter got in some enthusiastic Taiko drumming practice at the family-friendly event.
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    Humboldt Taiko drummer Deborah Ketelsen, of McKinleyville, stepped in for a hug with Totoro.
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    On a very warm afternoon Patty Hecht (left) and Vicki Ozaki offered some cooling breezes with their fans to Totoro (in what must have been a very warm costume).
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    Volunteer Sheri Woo invites attendees to contribute to the Eureka Chinatown Monument Project; hand-made Totoro gifts were offered for larger donations. Additional fundraising was done at the event to help residents of Maui.
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    Volunteer Michael McClimon, of Fortuna, helped attendees fill the “community tree” with their remembrances.
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    Humboldt Taiko led by Gary Ronne performed its usual outstanding drumming.
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    Drummers Yumi Ozaki (foreground) and Ali Lee performed with Humboldt Taiko at the Obon Festival.
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    Guest drummer Franco Imperial from the San Jose Taiko joined in the Humboldt Taiko performance.
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    As late afternoon fog approached to cool things down, Humboldt Taiko drummers wrapped up their performance.