Tesla and Aila's school, Rosa Parks Elementary, participates in the Sakura Festival parade that marches from SF's Civic Center to Japantown. Over time, I've grown to appreciate the meaning of this 2 weekend show of Japanese culture, food, music, and gathering. I enjoy being part of it through preschool and elementary school participation. The parade is the culmination. Rosa Parks joins amongst many to celebrate the history of our community. We all wear bright red happi coats so we're a visible sea of red dancing kids and parents. I can't help but feel happy when us parents, who are delegated to the back of the group since kids are the showcase, whoop and cheer for our school. It is a community building event.
It was rainy, at times a downpour. Nothing changed other than a lot of plastic ponchos, cold kids waiting to march, and gratefulness that kids held it together. It's a wonderful feeling to arrive near the end where the crowds are most packed, hearing them cheering.
This year is Tesla's last (she can still participate as an alum tho). Dav walked with her, meaning starting from Civic Center. I waited with Aila to join near the end b/c the full walk would be too much for kinders. Both groups dealt with cold rain. Kinder consolation is we got to watch about 20 groups/performances go by as we waited, including some that handed out police stickers (huge hit) and candy (made kids perk up and smile).
Here are pics of the day:
It was miserable for a while...
Lining up to wait; then off to join the rest.
We were so happy to see the head truck representing the start of our group. Yay! Our friends!
Tesla & friend.
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