This year, Vashon’s Strawberry Festival will honor pre-World War II Japanese farmers who once grew most of the island’s berries and celebrate Vashon’s agrarian community, both past and present, with traditional Japanese music and dance.

Leah Mann of Lelavision organized the event and called upon Vashon’s Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Mukai, Island Paper Chase, Vashon Events and Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA) to collaborate in bringing master teacher Mary Ohno, of the Tacoma Kabuki Academy, to the island. Ohno and her troupe will hold a community Bon Odori dance and shamisen music concert at the festival.

Ohno and Mann will facilitate a workshop for islanders to learn Bon Odori, a simple folk dance performed to honor ancestors. Participants are encouraged to join the community performance held after the Strawberry Festival Parade.

In a recent press release, Mann wrote that circle dances facilitate a sense of community and foster togetherness.

“In this symbolic action, all, including children, are welcome,” she wrote. “We are particularly reaching out to Vashon’s current agricultural community to join the circle, including our growing Latina community. While this (dance) will be light and festive, it will also hold the depth of remembrance.”

— Juli Goetz Morser