Local festival shares American Culture

  • Published
  • By Airman Benjamin Wilson
  • 35th Communications Squadron
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Americans here share the festivities of the culture June 2 and 3 outside Misawa's Main Gate.

By introducing local people to the American way of life, the bond between U.S. Forces and Japanese nationals is strengthened, according to base officials.

"This theme (Diversity in America) allows every American, no matter what ethnic background, to get involved and showcase the different heritages in and of America," said Deborah Savin, American Day private organizations monitor.

This will be Misawa's 19th Annual American Day festival and one of the themes includes a display of flags. A parade including representations of private organizations kicks off Sunday at 10 a.m. The 50 state flags and the honor guard will be showcased Saturday starting at 1 p.m.

While members of the Misawa community enjoy the parade, families here can sample traditional foods from the American cultures. These include funnel cake, turkey legs, barbecue, gumbo, jambalaya and waffles with toppings, just to name a few. There will also be Japanese vendors serving foods such as yakisoba, fried chicken, french fries and tacos.

Display rooms will be set up to demonstrate how cultures may differ with demonstrations such as the preparation and serving of American food to the formal dress and ceremonies of a traditional American wedding.

Admittance and live entertainment are free. There will be local bands performing as well as singers on the main stage, near the main gate where the U.S. Pacific Air Forces band will perform.

With thousands of people expectant to attending, the organizations should raise approximately $30,000 for different charities. The funds will help such charities as the American Red Cross, PAWS, the Special Olympics, squadron events and other moral boosting causes.

American Day is more than just a celebration of our culture -- it's an opportunity to give back to the Misawa community. It's a chance to be good neighbors and share our American way of life with our Japanese friends.