Japan Australia Friendship Association - Childrens Festival

May 6 this year was this community's group Childrens festival, biggest event of the year.

Festivals like this are great if you are interested in the culture, and grab some reference photos. (like Civil War re-enactments). One word of advice, clothing may not be historically accurate.....
But great for seeing patterns, drapery, all those other things that figure modelers always seek...

Be polite, ask respectfully, and be gracious if they say no....and say thanks if they agree, and offer to send them a copy.

Examples of contemporary Kimono (during a demonstration of the Tea Ceremony)

Great reference photos, and handy to see how the folds and sashes all come together.....

Plus there are many hands on events to get involved with also. Such as traditional ways of turning steamed rice into a sweet.

Me swinging a wooden mallet to pound the rice, while Zac flips it around....then it was served up by the ladies and served out to the onlookers. (Remember to scream like a Samurai when belting the rice - more dramatic)

And staying with the theme of Japan, Bonsai - good to know how those little trees sit and are shaped in the trays and pots.

And various other cultural items were on display. Dolls, ceramics, display pieces.

While I was mostly helping out (I'm a member of the committee) I did get a chance for quite a few snapshots.... Long day, worth it though.