Once more the Charlotte Nihonjin-Kai held their annual Bon Odori Festival in Wells Fargo Atrium, where guests were treated to Japanese food, taiko drumming by Matsuri-za, Japanese tea ceremony and calligraphy, and other cultural activities.

The Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta had two booths prepared, one for the preparation of passports, visas, and other consular business, and another booth to introduce a variety of Japanese cultural activities. Available activities included writing tanzaku wishes for Tanabata and tying them to a bamboo stalk, playing with Japanese traditional toys, and taking their pictures in front of a kimono and samurai armor display. Guests were also able to take home extra goodies like handheld fans, mouse pads, pencils, maps and magazines.