News provided by SPCC

The SPCC is pleased to work with the city of South Pasadena to host our first-ever AAPI (Asia-America and Pacific Islands) event in honor and honor of the diverse culture and heritage of the people of Asia and the Pacific. All activities are free for everyone!

The event will kick off with loud Japanese taiko drums from LA Taiko Ichiza, a leading Japanese taiko drum ensemble based in Little Tokyo, followed by an exciting lion dance from the San Gabriel Valley Cultural Association (SGVCCA). Entertainment programs from various Asian and Pacific islands will be open during the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and everyone is invited to bring a picnic blanket or chairs and enjoy the full composition. There will also be a demonstration stage with performances by family arts bands including kendo, hapkido and shaolin kung fu.

Come and enjoy a delicious Korean barbecue meal from KJ Tofu & BBQ or a refreshing bean drink and egg pies from TeaMorrow. Check out all the wonderful lunches for sale including Japanese curry and takai, Vietnamese egg buns, Hawaiian shaved ice and spam musubi, Chinese chow maine and tanghulu, as well as Filipino spaghetti and pork chicken, and more!

The SPCC will feature free arts and crafts throughout the day, as well as demonstrations of Chinese calligraphy from 12:30 to 3 p.m. The Los Angeles County High School of Arts will have 4 bright pink tents where you will be able to learn how to make Japanese origami, Chinese calligraphy and purchase delicious Asian snacks. A reading and storytelling corner will be open every half hour at the South Pasadena Public Library. In addition, both the South Pasadena police and the fire department will have booths, so come in and meet with both departments.

Take a picture in the SPARC and SPCC pop-ups and visit dozens of AAPI booths, including CAUSE (Center for Asian Americans United for Empowerment), Asia-Pacific Counseling and Treatment Center, Asia-America and Little American Promotion Fair . Buy cool shirts, hoodies and more from Clenn Designs and Underachieving Asians.

Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with the SPCC and the city of South Pasadena on Saturday 21 May. Be sure to come to the start at 11 a.m. to hear greetings from Mayor Cochoti, Mayor Chaparyan, guest speaker Congressman Judy Chu, and other VIPs.