July 10, 1999
Source: Los Angeles Times
On July 10, 1999, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Orange County Buddhist Church in California will begin to celebrate the traditional Japanese holiday of Obon on Sunday, July 11th. The festival will include English and Japanese services, Odori dancing, a bazaar, and a carnival. The traditional Obon dance, "which expresses joy for Buddhist teachings," depicts the livelihood of Japanese villagers, such as fisherman, coal miners, and farmers.