The 27th Annual Asian-American Heritage Festival will take place on Saturday, June 1, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.
This cultural festival will showcase Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Thai and Vietnamese cultures with live songs, dances, musical performances, Asian arts and cultural exhibits, Chinese paper cutting and origami, and ethnic foods. It will also include, children’s entertainment, balloon sculptures, games and face painting. Free medical and dental screenings will be available to attendees.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “Westchester takes pride in the shared spirit among its many diverse cultures. Experiencing other backgrounds broadens one’s perspective, fostering a greater understanding of the varied ways our county’s populations live and think.”
Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said, “Though May is Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this festival will extend the celebration into June. Folks of all ages can enjoy the activities, dances, music and culinary delights at one of our most beloved parks.”
The festival will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal; bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the lawn. No coolers will be allowed. Admission and parking are free, except for Irish-American festival.
The other heritage festivals in the series are:
Albanian, Sunday, June 2, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
African-American, Sunday, June 23, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
· Hispanic, Sunday, July 7, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
· Irish-American, Saturday, July 14, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Ridge Road Park, Hartsdale (admission: $5 adults; free for ages 14 and under)*
· Italian, Sunday, July 21, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
· Arab, Sunday, July 21, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Ridge Road Park, Hartsdale
· India, Sunday, Aug. 4, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
· Ecuadorian, Sunday, Aug. 11, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Croton Point Park, Croton-On-Hudson
· Jewish, Sunday, Aug. 18 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
· Muslim Heritage, Sunday, Aug. 25, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
Please be advised that the Bronx River Parkway will be closed for Bicycle Sundays in June from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and in July from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The parkway will be closed between Scarsdale Road in Yonkers and the Westchester County Center in White Plains. Kensico Dam Plaza can be accessed via Route 22, from the north or south.
Kensico Dam Plaza is at the north end of the Bronx River Parkway, in Valhalla. (Directions) Ridge Road Park is at 287 Ridge Road, Hartsdale (Directions
For more information, visit parks.westchestergov.com or call (914) 864-PARK; dates and times are subject to change.
This event is sponsored by Westchester County Parks and OCA – Westchester and Hudson Valley Chapter, with support from Arts Westchester.
