New York State has announced the addition of Asian Village to the Great New York State Fair.
Asian Village — which will run from Opening Day on Wednesday, August 23, through the first Saturday, August 26 — will recognize the contributions, history, and experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through music, dance, food, and a number of other special events.
Asian Village joins Indian Village, Pan African Village, and Latino Village in providing opportunities for fairgoers to experience the many backgrounds and cultures that make New Yorkers diverse and unique.
“New York’s diversity is what makes our state so great, and Asian Village at the Great New York State Fair will help to ensure all of our state’s cultures are celebrated and represented,” Governor Hochul said. “By creating a space that embraces Asian heritage, we will make our State Fair more welcoming to all cultures while also educating New Yorkers on Asian traditions.”
Asian Village will include some traditional Asian cuisines to sample. Entertainment offerings include singing, drumming and Lion Dance — a traditional dance performed at celebrations, business openings, and festivals with performers working together in a stylized lion costume. The Lion Dance is a symbol of good luck and an integral part of Lunar New Year celebrations. Plans also call for a Fashion Show where models and attire representing 20 different nations will be showcased, along with an area to be dedicated to Ssireum (Hangul: 씨름), also known as Korean Wrestling.
Fairgoers will find the Asian Village closest to the Gate 4 entrance, not far from the Youth Building. On the first day of The Fair, Asian Village will run from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. On Tuesday, August 24 through Saturday, August 26, Asian Village will start at 2:00 p.m. and continue into the evening. A complete schedule of events will be announced in the coming weeks.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].