THE CHINESE FESTIVAL
Every February of each year an average of 10,000 people attend to the Annual Chinese New Year Festival held at the Miami Dade College – Kendall Campus. People come to watch the entertainment, taste the diverse and tasty foods, and buy Asian products. The Chinese celebrations are introduced by the lion and dragon, and bring in good luck and prosperity. The New Year is one of the most important celebrations for Chinese; it denotes a new beginning; it is a time for reunions with family and friends to give thanks for what has transpired the previous year and to welcome a new year.
A Legend describes that Buddha had asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve animals came and Buddha named a year after each animal; people born in that animal’s year would have qualities of that particular animal. The year 2009 is the year of the Ox; those born under the Ox are loyal, fearless, hardworking and friendly. President Obama was born in the year of the Ox. CBS news anchor Amara Sohn and AAAB Board member Lisa Hu Barquist were the Mistresses of ceremony this year. More than 175 vendors and approximately two hundred performers participated in the event. Many performers and celebrity traveled to attend to the celebration. During the last three years this festival also hosted the Chinese Consul General from Houston.
The economic impact of this event on Miami Dade County is estimated to be approximately $ 300,000 which is generated from business activity, park fees; insurance; performers cost and bed tax generated from guests staying in hotels.
THE ASIAN CULTURE FESTIVAL
The cultural diversity of Asia is highlighted in the Asian Cultural festival which is held on the first weekend of March at the Fruit and Spice Park; it is the largest Asian festival, which draws more than ten thousand fans from across the tri- county area. A large number of Asian Consulates and local organizations representing various Asian countries place booths showcasing their respective countries. The program is full of Cultural performance with supple acrobats, Taiko drummers, and a fashion show with attractive models presenting their colorful traditional Asian costumes. This event attracts two hundred plus vendors merchandizing, Asian art, craft, jewelry, and costumes; tropical plants and fruits; and a variety of Asian cuisine. The participation of a large number of out-of-town performers contributes to Miami Dade County economy generating close to $400,000 in sales, park fee, hotel rental, and taxes, insurance, and cost of other services. It brings a much needed income to several small businesses who set up their shops at the event.
GREEN DAY CELEBRATION
On April 29, each year, the Asian Board, the City of Miami and the Consulate General of Japan in Miami sponsor the Green Day at the Japanese Garden. The event is originally rooted in the birthday celebration of the King; currently it has taken a new meaning, in order to celebrate the environment. This has vendors who provide food and tents, and makes a serious cultural and environmental statement about the community that values healthy environment. It also provides the Asian American Advisory Board to maintain an effective partnership with the Japanese Consulate and the City of Miami.
MIAMI HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT RACE
When the Asian colors float over the waters of Biscayne Bay, it presents the most spectacular mix of Asia and South Florida—dragons, water, sand and palm trees. Economically, this event is the most powerful. The Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival Miami estimated impact combined with a National Open Water Swimming Championship, wakeboard waterskiing, skate boarding and other activities. Over 800 dragon boaters, 1000 swimmers and 20,000 spectators for 4 days has and estimated impact of 2 million dollars on the Miami Dade economy.
PAKISTAN INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVAL
The Pakistan Cultural Society celebrates the Independence Day Festival at the Bay Front Park on the third Saturday of August. Bay Front Part counts represent approximately five thousand people. Pakistan Cultural Society estimates that over all economic impact of this event is close to $150,000 dollars.
SOUTH FLORIDA DRAGON BOAT RACE
This is the second Dragon Boat Race that takes place during the third weekend of October at Haulover Park in Miami Beach. Approximately five thousand people attend the event; it is co-sponsored by Miami Dade County Cultural Affairs.
ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION
The month of May was declared, October 29, 1992. It was intended to honor the achievements of the Asian/Pacific Americans and to recognize their contributions to the United States of America. May was selected for the recognition because two significant events in history took place in that month: Japanese immigrants first arrived in the United States on May 7, 1843, and the transcontinental railroad was completed on May 10, 1869 (Golden Spike Day). Miami Dade County Asian American Advisory Board celebrates this month in collaboration with many partners with the Miami Dade College, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Jackson Healthcare Center, and the V.A. Medical Center.
This celebration is finally accompanied by an Award ceremony where the County Commissioners present the Certificate of Appreciation to the Planning Committee members of the participating organizations. This year, Chairman Dennis C. Moss presented the certificates during a lunch ceremony at the Stephen P. Clark Center.