by Sandamani devi dasi
Dances, magic shows, clowns, and singing performances rounded out the entertainment, but the highlight of the evening was a group of 10 acrobatic fire spinners, who twirled and threw fire accompanied by chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. The evening concluded with ahbishek and arati and, of course, the midnight feast.

It had taken half a day to set up the stage, seating, professional sound system and lighting. And now the booths were erected, banners hung and kids’ inflatable obstacle course in place. On the second stage, musicians were tuning up. The prasadam was beautifully displayed. The music began, and the gates were flung open. Hundreds poured in to this anticipated, well-advertised event. Fox news was there at the onset as the perfect evening began to unfold.

Marti Walker, a soulful singer/songwriter who debuted to the devotee community at the recent L.A. Rathayatra, greeted guests in the temple room with her powerful singing of sacred chants on keyboard with accompanying flute and drums. Out on the main stage a group of 15 Nepali refugees sang traditional Bhajans, while the ladies danced in unison. On the small stage in the courtyard where the Prasad was being served was Krishnamrita on guitar, singing songs in her native French and in Portuguese, as well as Vaishnav bhajans in English and other, original songs.

Dances, magic shows, clowns, and singing performances rounded out the entertainment, but the highlight of the evening was a group of 10 acrobatic fire spinners, who twirled and threw fire accompanied by chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. The evening concluded with ahbishek and arati and, of course, the midnight feast.

Before it was time to take rest, our next two festivals were already being advertised and planned – Feed the World Day at the end of September and Diwali/Govardhana Puja. Srila Prabhupada commented that in the spiritual world there is a festival every day. We are getting a glimpse of what that might be like.