May 16, 2006 > Asian Americans celebrate heritage

by inda Stone

The Asian American Heritage Festival in Union City this Saturday presents an opportunity for all Americans to celebrate and discover the wealth of ancient art, philosophy, craftsmanship, colorful literature and folklore that have sprung from these various cultures. With over 120 performers including local dancers and singers, this festival will showcase the best of Asian talent.

According to the 2000 Census, Asians comprise 36.2 percent of the population within the Tri-Cities of Fremont, Newark and Union City - the largest minority of these cities.

In 1992, Congress expanded the 10-day observance of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week to a month-long celebration. May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. A majority of workers who laid railroad tracks were Chinese immigrants.

The festival will offer people a chance to listen to Taiko drummers, watch native dancing and enjoy music from Thailand, Philippines and Hawaii. Attendees can watch martial arts, dine on ethnic foods, visit trade booths and view cultural displays representing the diversified cultures of Asia.

Sponsors include the city of Union City, Asian American Federation of California, Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco Bay Area, and State Farm Insurance.

13th Annual Asian American Heritage Festival
Saturday May 20
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church
32975 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City
(510) 784-7341 or (408) 888-8413
www.aafc-ca.org