The day seemed perfect for summer fun, Saturday, as clear blue skies and a healthy dose of sunlight attracted thousands of people to the 55th annual Diablo Japanese American Summer Festival.

Lines were long, full of people eager to try Japanese dishes. Others lounged on the grass as they watched taiko (Japanese drums) and judo demonstrations.

The annual Japanese summer festival, hosted by the Japanese American Religious and Cultural Center (JARCC), is intended to offer the general public the opportunity to experience Japanese culture, said JARCC President Dave Uemura.

“We like to show the community the Japanese culture,” Uemura said. “We have the taiko drums, we have the bonsai ... just to give a little flavor to a lot of people that aren’t necessarily exposed to the Japanese culture.”

Salt Lake City native Arlette Hansen attended the Japanese festival with her 7-year-old great-granddaughter. The event is a must for Hansen when visits her daughter, who lives in Concord.

“The food is superb. Everything is great, is just really, really nice. This is the highlight for me,” she said.

The Japanese festival gave Kristie Taylor-Silva, 31, and her family a chance to explore their new community. She decided to attend after learning about it in a local newspaper.

“Me and my husband love Japanese food,” Taylor-Silva said. “So we said, 'We’re there!' ”

The family most enjoyed the bonsai exhibit. Taylor-Silva said she and her husband were surprised to learn the tradition and procedures behind the miniature trees. She also appreciated having activities for her children to enjoy.

Berkeley native Liz Beach, 29, used to live in the area and has attended the festival for eight years. It presents a rare opportunity to enjoy Japanese culture, she said.

“There’s really good food and it’s a really good exposure to the culture. That’s what I like the most about it.”

The summer festival first began as a community fundraiser to help JARCC, Uemura said.

Today, “this pays our bills for the year," he said. "[It] is our only fundraiser.”

JARCC's purpose has shifted as of late. Uemura explained that a lot of the younger members join to be part of the basketball team because the club is part of an Asian church league that competes around the Bay Area.

Initially the center focused strictly on the Japanese community, but that has changed over the years, too. Today, the center is open to anyone who would like to join.

Did you attend the event? What was it like for you? Tell us in the comments.