Asian Festival kicks off this week in Charlotte

Only two more days to go before the 20^th Asian Festival kicks off at Ramsay Creek Park in Lake Norman, here.

The reminder came from Ann Gonzales, incumbent president of the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC). The event held in celebration of Asian Heritage Month is organized by the CAACC in tandem with the Charlotte Dragonn Boat Festival.

This year's Asian Festival is chaired by John Chen and co-chaired by Dr. Eumelia Bautista “Dr. Nini” de Garcia. Both de Garcia and Chen are CAACC past presidents.

Gonzales said there will be changes this year such as the replacement of the Cultural Showcase Tent with arts, crafts and games.

“There would be calligraphy, origami, coloring and games like spin the wheel of trivia,” said Gonzales, who usually chairs the Cultural Showcase segment.

Fashion from countries such as Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Taiwan, Montagnards, Korea, China, Vietnam, India and the Philippines will also be on hand and the list may be bigger, Gonzales said.

Representatives from nearly 20 Asian countries will join the parade of the community of nations and they will be dressed in their respective national attires.

The Asian Heritage Month provides a venue for Asian Americans in the Carolinas to celebrate their respective cultures through dancing, food and shows.

Phone booths will be set for attendees to take selfies or group shots. The festival starts at 10 am and ends at 5 pm.

Parking is free at Newell Rubbermaid and those wishing to exit can pass through 25 of I-77 North, then take a left on Sam Furr and head right to Northcross drive.

For more information on the festival go to www.charlottedragonboat.com./Susan Palmes-Dennis