Family fun: Celebrate Japanese culture at Como
August 17, 2017 at 4:23PM
![Hiro Kato sliced through a rolled bamboo mat as he demonstrated kenjutsu or Japanese swordsmanship. He is with the Kaishin Dojo of West St. Paul. ] JEFF WHEELER ï jeff.wheeler@startribune.com The Como Park Conservatory's 18th annual Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival took place Sunday evening, August 21, 2016. Thousands gathered around the Frog Pond beside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park to watch as lanterns were floated on the water at dusk. The event is reminiscent of Japan](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/SYFZXFCBE7UKE3QFNNQXEWTSKM.jpg?&w=712)
Japanese culture takes center stage with drumming groups, martial arts, singing and dancing. The family friendly event features Japanese food and flower arranging demonstrations. Reminiscent of the Buddhist holiday that pays homage to ancestors, the event culminates in a lantern lighting. (3-9 p.m. Sun. $3-$5. Como Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden, 1325 Aida Pl., St. Paul. 651-487-8200. comozooconservatory.org.)
MELISSA WALKER
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Massive burritos, brothless ramen, cake muffin and a cup of Dayton’s nostalgia.
