June 1 was a scorcher of a day, but that didn't stop the throngs of festivalgoers bent on enjoying themselves at the Westchester County Annual Asian Heritage Festival at Kensico Dam in Valhalla, now in its 27th year of being organized by OCA-WHV. A full schedule of traditional and modern Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander American performances played to a joyful crowd under the big tent from noon to 5 (see list below). The audience also enjoyed visiting booths and food trucks, many of which were new this year. David Imamura, the first AAPI legislator to be elected in Westchester County, spoke briefly in honor of the event, as did County Executive George Latimer, Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, and NY State Senator Shelley Mayer.
These photos taken by award winning photographer James Cao give just a small sampling of the color and variety of the day:
In a note of thanks to the volunteers, OCA-WHV President Jaclyn Liu (who herself worked round the clock to help make this event happen and to coordinate it with all our other May events), wrote:
"Vincent seamlessly coordinated tent, table, and chair rentals and ensured a timely breakfast at 8:30 am. Li Lin's efforts in liaising with performance groups and organizing the program were invaluable. Grace diligently prepared the program book and food vouchers, collaborated seamlessly with Bhavana on meeting with the park officers for park logistics, and vendor recruitment. Bing's dedication to arrange the music and assisting the DJ throughout the afternoon was commendable. Jin Li prepared meticulous scripts for MCs. Gary mentored the young MCs who delivered the tasks well and adjusted with changing program orders and ad-hoc speeches nicely. Jane helped on stage management to ensure smooth transition. Bhavana also recruited and coordinated with vendors and created a promotional Facebook campaign. Dan picked up materials from the church the night before the event. Eric and his daughter's assistance with tents and lunch orders for YOCA was greatly appreciated. And the last but not the least, Jeanhee managed to have the newsletter created and printed on time for distributing at the event.
Our Board of Directors and volunteers, including Jean, Stanley, Peggy, David, Meow, the Kho sisters, Dan, Helen, and their daughter Emily, Vincent, Bhavana, and Ann Chao manned the tables. A special mention to Bonnie, who brought creativity and engagement to our table with rice crackers, an eye-catching Great Wall structure, and Chinese character bookmark-making activities that attracted many visitors. Her son and husband were with her.
If I've inadvertently omitted anyone, please let me know.
It was a wonderful event."
LIST OF PERFORMERS
Dragon Dance by Huaxia Chinese School of Greater New York |
National Anthem by Melissa Wang |
Opening Greetings by OCA-WHV President Jaclyn (Yawen) Liu |
Classical Chinese Dance: Ode to Pear Blossoms by Li - Garden Dance Company |
Chinese Children Folk Dance: Childhood by Xiamei Dance Studio |
Chinese Folk Dance: Spring Outing by Huaxia Chinese School of Greater New York |
Dance: Alamuhan by Greenburgh Evergreen Club |
Hawaiian Hula Dance by Pua Ali'i Ilima O Nuioka |
Youth Kpop：Luna by Xiamei Dance Studio |
Dance: Dancing to Dunhuang Strings by Li - Garden Dance Company |
Dance: Fearless by Huaxia Chinese School of Greater New York |
Instrument/Guzheng: Dong Ethnic Dance Music by Huaxia New York Central Chinese School |
Mongolian Chopstick Dance by Huaxia Chinese School of Greater New York |
Chinese Folk Dance: Tea Aroma - Rainy Night by Scarsdale Senior Group |
Chinese Classical Dance: Red Fans - A Dashing Elegant by Xiamei Dance Studio |
Martial Arts: Tiger-Crane Kung Fu by Huaxia Chinese School of Greater New York |
Indonesia Dance: Nandak Ganjen Dance Tari Ganjen by Saung Budaya Dance LLC |
Song: Your Answers by Maxx Huang and Alex Lu |
Dance: Kemusan by Greenburgh Evergreen Club |
Zumba Mix by Huaxia Chinese School of Greater New York |
Chinese Folk Dance: Heavenly Shower by Westchester Adult Dance Group |
Dance: Yuanjia Huo by Li - Garden Dance Company |
Thai Dance: Krida Apiniharn by Thai Dance Association of NY |
Chorus：Hulun Buir Prairie by Scarsdale Senior Group |
Shotokan Karate Demonstration by Takahashi Karate Dojo |
Intermission |
Dragon Dance by Huaxia New York Central Chinese School |
Thai Dance: Omgod Kemararch by Thai Dance Association of NY |
Hip Hop Dance: Can't Stop the Feeling by Huaxia New York Central Chinese School |
Songs: 1) Good Days, 2) My Loulan by ACE Dream Group |
Line Dance：Fair Lady in Rain Alley by Huaxia New York Central Chinese School |
Fiery Red Coral Lily by Huaxia Chinese School of Greater New York |
Thai Dance: Isan Leung Muan by Thai Dance Association of NY |
Taekwondo demonstration by Achieve Martial Arts |
Songs by Stephaniechoumusic.com |
Music Ensemble: Spring Blossoms on a Moonlit River by Jasamine Performing Arts |
Magic Show: Face Changing by Paul Li |
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