CLEVELAND — After being postponed in 2020 and held virtually in 2021, the Cleveland Asian Festival will return to AsiaTown May 21 and 22.
The event was organized in 2010 by volunteer community leaders to celebrate Cleveland’s diversity and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, organizers said.
“The safety of our attendees, volunteers and vendors is always our primary concern,” said event organizer Johnny Wu. “Masks will be recommended for all attendees and staff. Vendors and performers will be required to wear masks. We will continue to work with and monitor civic and health agencies to insure the health and well-being of all.”
In 2019, the last year the festival was held in person, the event drew 50,000 over two days. Due to the pandemic, the 2020 event was canceled.
The 2021 Cleveland Asian Festival was a 90-minute online event that included performances from local entertainers and food demonstrations from AsiaTown restaurants.
“We're excited about being able to gather together again for this year's Cleveland Asian Festival and the opportunity to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month this May,” said Lisa Wong, president of the Organization of Chinese Americans of Greater Cleveland. “We invite everyone to patronize the local Asian businesses and to continue supporting the APA community during these challenging times.”
The festival will be held at the intersection of East 24th Street and Payne Avenue. Live entertainment, art demonstrations, cultural demonstrations and an egg roll eating contest will be among the activities.