For Immediate Release
May 6, 2024
Cleveland, OH – The Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) is a grassroots festival that highlights Cleveland’s AsiaTown, Diversity, and Asian Culture in Northeast Ohio. It was organized in 2010 by volunteer community leaders to celebrate Cleveland’s diversity and Asian Pacific American Heritage month (May). CAF has always been considered as the festival that kicks off summer.
The mission of CAF has remained the same over the years:
- Strengthening the identity of AsiaTown and supporting its economic growth
- Educating and promoting Asian culture and traditions
- Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Cleveland’s Diversity
- Uniting Cleveland’s Asian Community
Now in its 15th year, CAF is the signature event that defines AsiaTown and brings thousands to the neighborhood. CAF has led to the creation of new businesses in the area as well as neighborhood beautification with arts and cultural displays and decorations throughout the district.
Johnny Wu, one of the founders of CAF says, “The economic impact that CAF has generated for the AsiaTown neighborhood and businesses is significant. People who attend not only shop and eat that weekend but a large percentage return to AsiaTown throughout the year after experiencing it at CAF.”
Food has always been an important part of the Festival and 2024 visitors will enjoy a variety of food and drink options from dozens of food booths/trucks including 10 that are grilling in the Food Court. There will be 3 dedicated boba drink (bubble tea) vendors, fresh squeezed sugarcane juice and fresh coconut drinks. New in 2024 will be the Cleveland Asian Festival Food Awards which will judge and award the best.
In 2024, AAPI participation is being stressed. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is an important recognition of the contributions of the AAPI community and a chance to stand together against recent anti-Asian sentiments. CAF attracts the Asian community but also groups representing the numerous diverse ethnic heritages of Cleveland. Lisa Wong, president of OCAGC and one of the founders of CAF, says “Not only does our festival feature AAPI food vendors, but we also encourage attendees to support local businesses in Asiatown.”
The annual festival offers Free Admission, Free Parking with Free shuttle bus rides to and from the festival, a record number of Live entertainment including Cultural Performances and demonstrations on two outdoor stages, a World Marketplace of vendors and exhibitors, 20+ food vendors and food trucks, and caterers offering authentic Asian cuisines, Free health screenings at the Health Pavilion inside Asia Plaza and free activities for kids of all ages.
About the 2024 Cleveland Asian Festival
The Cleveland Asian Festival is an annual celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage month in May in Cleveland’s AsiaTown neighborhood. It is a landmark undertaking to unite the community through collaboration and recognition of its culture, diversity, and people. The 2024 Cleveland Asian Festival will be held on Saturday May 18 and Sunday May 19. https://clevelandasianfestival.org/2024/
Distinguished Sponsors are JACK Entertainment and Cleveland Foundation. Presenting Sponsors are Cleveland Public Power, the City of Cleveland and Ward 7 Councilwoman Stephanie Howse, NEORSD, Aids Taskforce of Greater Cleveland and OCA Greater Cleveland. Partner Sponsors include GMC Mansfield, Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland Metroparks, First National Bank of PA, KeyBank, MetroHealth, Progressive, City of Cleveland Water, Cleveland Cavaliers, PNC, Asian Services in Action (ASIA) and Rust Belt Riders. And many more Associate and Media Sponsors.
Contact
Johnny Wu, johnny@mdifilm.com
Office: 216.539.4634
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