Indianapolis Chinese Festival, September 8, 2012

Indianapolis will host the fifth annual Indianapolis Chinese Festival on September 8, 2012, at Military Park in downtown Indianapolis. The festival is hosted by the Indianapolis Mayor’s Office, and is organized by several local Chinese cultural and educational organizations.

Chinese students and families have become a major ethnic group in Indianapolis, and this is a way for the rest of the central Indiana community to get to know the Chinese culture and heritage.

The day kicks off at 12:00 with the Dragon Dance around the park, followed by the grand opening, and then the Lion Dance at 1:00. If you have ever watched any movies with Chinese parades in them, you’ve seen the dragon and lion dancers, and know how impressive and beautiful these dances can be.

In addition to the many singers, dancers, and martial arts demonstrations (folk dancing, folding fan dancing, folk songs, vocal performances, and instrumental performances), you will be able to visit booths to see examples of Chinese art, crafts, and even sports like ping pong, badminton, and Chinese yo-yo. Of course, there will be several food vendors and booths available, so you’ll be able to sample different styles of Chinese cuisine from all over the country. And finally, you can finish the evening with a lantern walk along the canal, followed by the closing Moon Walk.

Photo credit: Indianapolis Chinese Festival