Celebrate Tanabata with The Woodlands Children’s MuseumTHE WOODLANDS, Texas  (June 15, 2016) – Join The Woodlands Children’s Museum for a celebration of Tanabata, or the Star Festival, on Thursday, July 7.

“The festival traces its origins to a legend about the Cowherd Star, or Altair, and the Weaver Star ,Vega, who were lovers separated by the Milky Way,” Angela Colton, the museum’s executive director, said. “The stars are allowed to meet just once a year – on the seventh day of the seventh month.”

To honor the event, Colton said, children and adults write their wishes on narrow strips of colored paper and hang them, along with other paper ornaments, on bamboo branches placed in their backyards or entrances of their homes.

At the museum, the fun begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until 5 p.m. There will be a special art activity at MUSE for the occasion – and Japanese dances performed by Risa Tallent are slated for 10:45 and 11:30 a.m., and 12:15 p.m.

The celebration is included in daily admission of $6 per person 1 year and older. The museum is recommended for ages 7 and under.

To learn more about The Woodlands Children’s Museum, its hours of operation and ways to support the nonprofit, visit woodlandschildrensmuseum.org or call 281-465-0955. The museum is always looking for sponsors or partners for events. Follow the museum’s Twitter handle @thewoodlandscm.

Photo: Celebrate Tanabata with The Woodlands Children’s Museum and Risa Tallent, who will provide three performances of Japanese dances to celebrate the festival on Thursday, July 7.