The Charlotte Asian Festival, which includes the popular Dragon Boat races on Lake Norman, will be held May 16 at Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius. The Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce and the Mecklenburg Park and Recreation Department are organizing the event which includes a wide variety of traditional Asian food, stage performances, cultural exhibits and merchandise.
Dragon Boat racing, which promotes competition, fair play, community building, culture and history, features teams from the business community, students and non-profits. For more details, please contact cltdragon@caacc.com.
The Miss Asia Carolinas Pageant, now in its 12th year, is more of a showcase of Asian Culture rather than a contest. Winners are chosen on a three-tiered process, based on intellect, talent, community service, beauty, personality and character. The young candidates go through an experience that includes leadership training, public speaking, personal development, cultural enhancement, people skills, social outreach, and fellowship. The Pageant strives for inclusion, diversity and encourages representatives from all the Asian nationalities that reside in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area and environs.
Admission is free. Satellite parking areas will be posted for all visitors, with shuttle bus services to the park.
A key attraction of festival is the Country Showcase section with exhibits from a host of Asian countries. Launched in 2012, with 12 countries represented last year, visitors will again be treated with a rich display from traditional to cutting edge treasures from these host countries. Make sure to plan your visit here to enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities and experience Asia at your door step.
The Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) is a nonprofit, all volunteer based organization. Founded in 1999, CAACC serves as a bridge to connect Asia and the United States in general and the local 60,000 plus Asian-American residents to the Charlotte community at large.
More info: www.caacc.com or call 866-YES-ASIA.