from staff
Downtown was the scene Saturday for Celebrate Asia! to celebrate Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the Hyatt.
Hundreds dressed in traditional Asian attire for the inaugural Celebrate Asia! event showcasing Asian culture. Entertainment included celebrity singers, dancers, and actors from around Asia, including lion and dragon dance demonstrations.
The Hyatt grand ballroom provided a buffet of traditional Asian home-cooking from many cultures, including traditional dishes from Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore and others.
According to the 2000 Census, Asian-Americans were the fastest growing ethnic group in Florida. The 2010 Census defines the group as Asian-American and other Native Pacific Islanders. The population contains the influence of more than 30 national origins and 15 different cultural groups.
Members of the groups in Northeast Florida formed Celebrate Asia Inc. to host the event.
“Celebrate Asia commemorates the fact that our demographic is extremely diverse,” said Vida Vongsay, chair of Celebrate Asia.
She said the event committee included representation from almost all of the groups.
“This inaugural Celebrate Asia marks the first time that all of our diverse Asian-American groups have banded together under one cause, equality of the utmost importance, to truly showcase the diverse, cultural treasures that are present in each of our ethnic groups.”
Among the guests and actors attending Celebrate Asia were actor Bee Vang, who co-starred in the Clint Eastwood film “Gran Torino”; Miss Asian America Amy Chanthaphavong; and actor and writer Jack Ong, who guest-starred on “Friends”, “ER”, “The Simpsons” and “The Bernie Mac Show.”
Vongsay said she hopes the event will continue to grow each year.
The buffet at Celebrate Asia! at the Hyatt.
Committee members greeted the attendees.
More than 300 attended the Saturday event and were greeted by Traditional Dragon Dance heads.
More than 300 attended the Saturday event and were greeted by Traditional Dragon Dance heads.