Asian American Festival 2008

Daley Center Plaza
May 19-23, 2008
Asian American Festival History
The Asian American Festival is a week long, outdoor celebration showcasing Asian American culture and contributions, including cultural stage performances, ethic cuisine, hands on Asian-inspired activities and an eclectic array of retail products.

It is sponsored by the Asian American Coalition, in cooperation with the City of Chicago Mayor's Office of Special Events. Every year, to honor the achievements and contributions of Asian/Pacific Americans, the Congress by Public Law 102-450 as amended has designated the month of May each year as Asian/Pacific Heritage Month.About Asian American Coalition of Chicago
The Asian American Coalition of Chicago exists to organize and promote equal opportunity in government, education, economic development, and international affairs in order to advance the integration of all Asian Americans into the main stream of society.
Asian Americans are visible and growing. They are "underrepresented" in several of the largest areas, including Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, and Dallas, although sizable concentrations can be found in some urban neighborhoods. According to the 2005 Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement, Asian American households had the highest median income at $57,518.
However, 11.8% of Asians were in poverty in 2003, higher than 8.2% rate of non-Hispanic whites, and much higher for some Southeast Asian ethnic groups.
Welcoming Remarks from
Kay Kihwa Rho
Chairwoman of the festival
It is with the utmost honor and privilege that I welcome you to the 10th Annual Asian American Festival: "Cultural Thread Woven into the Fabric of a United Future".
In commemoration of Asian Pacific American Heritage month, this event is an opportunity to highlight the deep tradition and legacy each ethnic community brings. Yet, as we live in an age of globalization, there is an inevitable convergence of history, language and culture. It is the goal for this year's festival to celebrate our past and move towards a united future. After months of preparation, I am proud to present the amazing work the planning committee has done in bringing this week's activities and events. As always, the festival has offered an array of top-notch food, merchandise, and cultural performances, but for the first time, the festival will introduce a "hands-on" activity tent. It is with excitement we are able to add to another dimension to your festival experience by showcasing workshops, which includes Korean calligraphy, Thai fruit carving, and Indian turban tying.
On behalf of the Asian American Coalition of Chicago Festival Planning Committee and the Korean American Community, I would like to recognize all the supporters who made this event possible. Many thanks to all the Asian communities for their collaboration, the volunteers for their time, the businesses for their charitable funding, and last, but not least to you for joining us in this celebration!
Kay KiHwa Rho
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Star of Siam booth with Eddie, the owner

I was so impressed with the Chicken Satay at the booth of Star of Siam. The meat was so superb in quality and very delicious!!!

They cooked Pat Thai right on location.
It was fresh and authentically tasty.

Mango Freeze was a good sale here.

Pre-Opening Samul-Nori/Sunban by
ULSSU - University of Wisconsin in Madison

Committee Members
Honorary Chair: Charlie Jung
Advisor: Paul Park, Gene Lee
Chairwoman: Kay Kihwa Rho
Co-Chair: Chris Jang, Yin Kean, Jelly Carandang
Treasurer: Dae Bum Lee
Secretary: Alice Cha
Program: Eun Ju Lee, Rajinder S. Mago,
Leonard M. Louie, Roosy Miller
Outreach/Marketing: Susan Shin, Amie Calma, Jackie Conley, Sadruddin Noorani
Sponsorship: Charlie Jung, Poxie Xumsai, Vallapa Kongsri, C.W. Chan
Communication&Media: Irene Cualoping, Moh Saini
Program Book: Katherine Lee, Grace Shin, Hon Bannapradist
Decoration: Hyung Ran Shim, Hoo Kyung Oh
Vendor: Fred Martin, Shana Siap
Hospitality: Young Han, Jennifer Hwang
VIP: Linda Wang, Trisila S. Davidge,
Govind Shrestha, Sadruddin Noorani
Operations&Security: Billy Huh
Volunteers: Cyndi Jeon
CPS: Dr. Evlyn Natividad
Vendors at the plazaStage decorationEmcees:
Jan Feffcoat from Fox Chicago TV
Judy Wang from CLTV News
Ribbon Cutting

Varunee Viraphat,
Deputy Consul General of Thai Consulate General in Chicago

National Anthem by
Jennifer Hwang & Korean American Women's Association Choir

Welcome Address by
Charlie Jung, Honorary Chair

Introduction of VIP's

Vallapa Kongsri,
the President of Thai American Association came here for support.

Jessie White, Secretary of States

Gene Lee, Deputy Chief of Staff - Mayor Daley Office

Tae Kwon Do Demonstration by
Bally Total Martial Arts

Tinikling Bamboo Dance by
Filipino American Community

Korean CalligraphyNews Reporter from The Korean American Broading, WOCH Ch41

Hon Bannapradist handed out information cards promoting the upcoming Thai Festival in Chicago that will be held at the Daley Plaza on June 16-20, 2008 .

News coverage by Suncast TV
www.suncasttv.com