Arlington Hts. Japan Festival canceled

This summer’s 30th annual Japan Festival in Arlington Heights has been canceled, due to the continued recovery and hardship suffered by that country from the recent earthquake and tsunami.

Instead a smaller fundraiser will be held from 2-5 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, said Jay Shimotake, president of the Middle American Japanese Club.

“People are still suffering, and a festival would not be a good idea,” said Shimotake.

Canceling the festival reduces expenses so more money can be contributed to the Red Cross, he said.

And the charity event will be designed to attract people who want to donate to help victims but might not have done that yet.

The festival had been scheduled for June 11 and 12. It traditionally features music and dance, many aspects of Japanese culture and food.

Details of the charity event will be announced soon.