SAM in Japan: Misawa End of Summer Festival

August 21 2010: Well, you knew this day would come. The day we finally get back out of the house. It had been two weeks of absolutely nothing happening, then in one week, everything goes at once. At the end of a stress filled week, we took an hour or two to go downtown for the annual End of Summer Festival. As much as we usually like to walk around and see what fried goodies are to be had, tonight we only went as far as out the main gates to our first view of the parade. Andi has 8 stitches across the top of her foot, limiting our walking distance. Must stay close enough to the car that we can carry her without injuring ourselves.

Tonight's parade is the Mikoshi float. Last year Andi and Shane marched in it. If you delve deep into the archived blogs, you'll find it. The kids were having a great time running in circles, how they stay upright, I'll never know.

Above and Below are part of the same float. I was at the wrong angle to get the full view. There are lights on the inside so that it can bee seen at night.

Summer Kimono's are common, also known as a Yukata.

These floats are very heavy, and the guys really get into throwing them in the air and running in circles. They are also a bit drunk. The party starts before the parade with a BBQ and drink. Access to drink the entire parade route. But they have a great time!

Below: They are a blur as they are running in circles.

Below: The top of the above shrine.

Sunday August 22 2010: Today we repeated last nights maneuvers. Parking on base, and hobbling slowly out to the parade. Although today Andi could move a little faster....not much, but it's better.

Shane was wondering who would want to march in a parade during the heat of the day. It was hot just watching. The floats are hand pulled down the street. They are BIG! there must be a little motor action underneath, but they are so heavy that hand pulling is a must.

Above: The back view of one of the floats (all sides are heavily decorated)

Below: The front of a float.

"Funky Big News"

Below: The back of another float. I had a lot of great views of the backs of the floats. We were standing at a corner, so the floats had to be maneuvered to take the turn, making it hard to get the fronts and sides.

Hot parade marchers.

Floats

Above: Helping to pull the float.

Below: Drummers on the floats. The beat just keeps going.

The real reason Andi likes to come out during the summer. The Italian Ice vendors. Though is it Italian Ice when you're in Japan? They put them on ice cream cones. Some make very elaborate works, others just slap on a variety of flavors. All cones have multiple flavors, it's just the way they do it.

Above: A float coming down the street. In the middle there are water hoses being sprayed on the participants. By the time they got a little over a 100 yards down the road, they were dry again.