Utah Asian Festival celebrates another year

Putting on a free festival in the second year of a recession is quite the feat. Yet the Asian Association of Utah is doing just that tomorrow.

Every year since 1977, the Utah Asian Festival has showcased Utah's Asian communities through art and entertainment.

"This has been a tough year for us because of the economy; we have had to go out and raise more money to put on the festival this year," said Stuart Louie, who does marketing for the festival.

Utahns of Asian background will showcase their unique cultural traditions Saturday at the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy.

Entertainment and art from more than six Asian countries will be exhibited. Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, India, Korea and the Philippines will be represented throughout the cultural vendors area, offering food samples and hands-on activities, Louie said.

"There are some fun activities for kids. There is a kite master's workshop where they will be able to create kites right on site," Louie said.

Festival veterans know to expect multiple opportunities for hands-on activities. Origami demonstrations, calligraphy and Thai bookmark making are on the agenda this year, along with floral arts and tae kwon do.

Salt Lake resident Ken Yname will teach a workshop on caring for a bonsai planter.

A course on creating a lucky-bamboo planter will be taught by Judy Iwamoto.

New to the festival this year is the Miss Asia Utah Pageant. Nine contestants, each representing a different country, will compete for the first crown of Miss Asia Utah.

"We got some cool judges, like former Miss Utah 2002 and 2007," said Louie.

The contestants will be judged on their performance in the talent portion of the competition, as well as the evening-gown and question-and-answer portions. Bonus points will be awarded to contestants for academic achievement, community involvement and their platforms.

"The reason we are doing this is to promote intercultural community amongst Asian Americans in Utah. We want them to foster relationships through friendship and cultural interaction. We want them to understand and embrace others in their cultural differences," said Agnes Higley of the Miss Asia Utah Pageant 2009.

Each Asian community selected the contestants who will represent them in Miss Asia Utah. The contestants range from 17 to 25 years of age.