As the summer kicked off this weekend, May 15-16, Miami University’s Confucius Institute hosted the performance stage at the Washington Park in downtown Cincinnati to celebrate the annual Asian Food Fest. Over the course of two days, thousands of people gathered in Washington Park to taste delicious Asian food and to delight in a variety of performances.

The CIMU-sponsored stage was a source of continuous entertainment as many groups danced, performed music, and demonstrated martial arts. CIMU performers contributed with several lion dances, musical performances with traditional Chinese instruments, and martial arts demonstrations. Members of the audience were invited up to the stage to participate in some of the dances. Many people commented that they love the performances put on by CIMU.

Over a dozen booths surrounded the stage, offering authentic ethnic food representing Asian countries such as China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, and Indonesia. CIMU set up a booth next to the stage, offering Chinese sweets and greeting passersby in monkey and panda costumes. Families, especially children, enjoyed the monkey and panda very much and took pictures beside the costumed staff members.

The festival was a great success. Despite the cold weather on Saturday, many people gathered in Washington Park to experience Asian cuisine and performance art. On Sunday, the beautiful weather attracted even more people and contributed to the vibrant festival atmosphere.