GRAND RAPIDS, MI — For its sixth year, Grand Rapids’ Asian-Pacific Festival is returning this summer to bring a weekend full of celebration, honoring the Pacific Islander and Asian American communities.
The schedule is packed with entertainment, including a Golden Tiger Dragon parade, Filipino folk dances and a night featuring six hours of Hmong musical artists.
The festival is set to run Friday and Saturday, June 10 and 11, at Calder Plaza, 300 Monroe Ave. NW, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Every year, the festival brings new musical acts to spotlight the diversity of the Asian-Pacific populations in Grand Rapids to pay tribute to those making a difference in the world.
In 2020, the festival was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world begins to open again, this year’s festival is expected to draw a larger crowd than last year’s limited event of nearly 5,000 people.
“This year’s festival is going to be big,” Ace Marasigan, CEO of the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation, said. “We’re talking about 49 different countries, just Asia alone, but inside each country has its demographics.”
From the cultural fashion shows, a multitude of food and clothing vendors and kids shows to the many performances by Asian-Pacific musicians, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the festival.
Marasigan expects to see numbers close to previous years, he said, like when the festival had approximately 25,000 people attend.
Foodies and craft beer lovers will have their choice from over 20 food vendors representing a variety of Asian-Pacific cuisine and brews.
In partnership with The Mitten and sponsored by Bangkok Taste Cuisine, the festival has crafted a Hmong-inspired beer, Marasigan said. Founders also brewed a Korean beer to try at the festival.
For a limited list of what new performances and activities to expect this year, read below:
Morning Yoga
Friday and Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
Grand Opening Ceremony
Friday, June 10 at 4 p.m.
Taiko Drummers and Lion Dancers performance and Golden Tiger Dragon parade.
Kroon Band and the Polynesian Indigenous Knowledge Organization
Friday, June 10 at 6 p.m.
Cultural Fashion Show
Friday, June 10 at 5 p.m.
Grand Rapids by Night – Vietnamese Show
Friday, June 10 at 7 p.m.
Special Entertainment Friday Night & VIP
Friday, June 10 from 3:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Kroon Band and the Polynesian Indigenous Knowledge Organization, Filipino Folk Dances, Hmong Night Preview Concert, House Band Dance Party: Better Than Karaoke Band, and more.
Tickets for VIP (21+) Pacific Islander Night ($25). The VIP section Includes a table by the stage area, a Lei greeting, three drink tokens, an exclusive cocktail, and the opportunity to sing with the house band or karaoke from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Virgil Nishimura Moment
Saturday, June 11, at 11 a.m. A highlight of veteran and Grand Rapids resident Virgil Nishimura, who lost his wings in the Air Force because the higher-ranked officers found out he was Japanese.
Bollywood Dance
Saturday, June 11 at 2:15 p.m.
Filipino American Community of West Michigan Dance Troupe
Saturday, June 11 at 3:30 p.m.
Hmong Night
Saturday, June 11, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Six hours of Hmong musical artists. See posters of the entertainers.
Marasigan created the festival in 2017 to celebrate the Asian-Pacific community and showcase the diverse communities in Grand Rapids.
This year, he hopes the Grand Rapids community can not only immerse themselves into Asian-Pacific culture, but educate themselves on the increasing stereotypes and violence against Asians.
“Many Asian communities have faced challenges in the past few years,” he said. “I can’t speak for the entire Asian community, but I speak as a father. I want our son to have a place of acceptance and honesty. We have to make sure we tell the right story.”
More information on the festival, including a complete schedule of events, can be found at grapf.org.
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https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2022/06/asian-pacific-festival-returns-to-grand-rapids-with-dragon-parade-cultural-fashion-show-more.html