Noisy 4th of July for Great Vow

On tri-colored floats bearing a marimba ensemble and a percussive “scratch band,” members of Great Vow Zen Monastery contributed rhythm and zest to the annual Clatskanie, Oregon, Fourth of July parade.

For some years past Great Vow has participated in this popular and colorful event in the company of other small-town floats, fire engines, logging trucks, all-terrain vehicles, and local marching bands.

The town hosts a Fourth of July fair featuring carnival rides, food concessions, and logger competitions.  Great Vow celebrates its annual pan-Buddhist picnic with plenty of tofu dogs and burgers for everyone.