For the fourteenth time, the Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham (FCCM) jump-starts the summer with its annual Taste of Asia weekend street festival. From June 25-26th 2016, the largest Asian festival in Canada presents to the community a variety of activities that’ll entertain and educate visitors about its Asian culture.
Taste of Asia was first introduced back in 2003 during the SARS outbreak. In order to boost the morale of the isolated community, FCCM came up with this festival to not only remind the community of their Asian routes but to bring them together so they could overcome the medical epidemic they were enduring together. “We wanted to bring life and excitement back to the community,” Dr. Ken Ng explained, “We thought of one big solution and that was to have an outdoor festival.”
Dr. Ken Ng is a founder and organizer for the Taste of Asia festival as well as a chairman of the FCCM. While busy being a practicing physician, Dr. Ng continues to remain involve with the preparations for the festival. “We’re used to long hours of working,” Dr. Ng said with ease when asked how he manages to juggle the two commitments, “that’s part of the training that we have. It’s not difficult to extend a little bit more.”
It’s time well spent as the multicultural festival kick-starts with an amazing opening ceremony, with the master of ceremonies being Markham Mayor, Frank Scarpitti. “It has a special meaning to us all,” Dr. Ng mentioned about the ceremony, which features the presence of many community leaders, organizations and government officials.
Following the opening ceremony, attendees can explore what the festival has to offer. “Throughout the whole day, there will be dancing. There’ll be martial arts.” Dr. Ng added when musical performances were mentioned (a few special guests from Hong Kong are part of the festival’s line-up). Attendees can soak in the culture that surrounds them while also sampling the exotic cuisine courtesy of the vendors. Other events featured are the competitions that vary in focus (ie: sports or food). There truly is something for everyone to enjoy.
In honour of Canada’s 150th year celebration, this year’s Taste of Asia festival has the theme of “East Meets West” which incorporates the Indigenous community. This feature showcases this community through the presentation of Indigenous teepees, a marketplace displaying creative pieces, Indigenous chefs with their fine delicacies and an authentic Pow Wow performance that’ll kick off the evening’s concert. A great thing about this festival is that there will be international guests joining the line-up in order to bring an enhanced authentic cultural experience to attendees.
Although it’s an outdoor festival with free admission, attendees can easily come and go to participate in activities that better suit their interests. “Dress comfortably, casually and have an open mind,” Dr. Ng advised before mentioning the importance of comfortable shoes, a must for an event such as this. “Sample the different foods,” he also mentioned, “It’s a good learning experience.” Taste of Asia is the perfect opportunity to learn the different aspects to many different Asian cultures. Attendees can easily take advantage of that. Plus if the outdoor festival gets too hot despite the beauty behind a sunny day, attendees can seek a cooler refuge in the form of air conditioning, something Dr. Ng also pointed out; “When it’s hot, you can take a break and go shopping at Pacific Mall or at Market Village.” The festival is prepared for families of all sizes and ages as there is a child place play for them and for the family members with a more active side, there is also a basketball court where fun pick-up games could start or some coaching is available for those who want to improve their game.
So mark your calendars and check out the Taste of Asia festival down in Markham from June 25th to 26th 2016. Enjoy food, music, artwork and dance from many Asian cultures and increase your chances of winning a prize, some include a few trips to Asia.
Publication Note:
This was published in Volume 12, Issue 4 of AsianWave Magazine.
The publication gave incorrect credit to another writer.
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