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25th Anniversary Celebration for Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt
November 9, 2024 @ 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Twenty-five years ago, the BGLM opened its gates to the public on November 6, 1999, by hosting a Grand Opening celebration of bonsai and suiseki, held on site at the Gardens of Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park Garden Center. Dennis Makishima was master of ceremonies for the grand opening, including then Mayor Jerry Brown, the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco, John Naka, Harry Hirao and other Japanese American notable bonsai artists, Yasuo Mitsuya of Japan, Recreation and Parks Officials, and many more. In addition to the ribbon cutting, there was a lively celebration inside the Lakeside Park Garden Center; all well attended. The San Jose Taiko drum performers were present.
On November 9th, 2024, BGLM would like to recognize the first 25 years by holding a smaller in scale celebration. Oakland City officials from District 3 and Parks & Recreation, Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt, the General Counsel of Japan in San Francisco, Japanese American communities, and the general public are invited to attend. Free admission. Public parking available.
Location: Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, 650 Bellevue Ave., Gate 4, Lakeside Park, Lake Merritt, Oakland, California
Time: 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Potential speakers:
Gordon Deeg, Director of BGLM
Carroll Fife, District 3 Councilmember
Fred Kelley, Director of Parks & Recreation
Yo Osumi, General Counsel of Japan in San Francisco
Entertainment:
Sonoma County Taiko
Light refreshments
Point of Contact:
George Haas, BGLM Marketing Manager 707-762-9154 gwhaas@comcast.net
