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Asian Festival One Month Away: Details (Including Changes) Announced
Knoxville – The eagerly awaited eleventh Knox Asian Festival is now just over a month away, set to return to the World’s Fair Park on September 8th. This year’s festival comes with exciting new changes, promising a vibrant display of Asian culture, performances, and cuisine.
Festival Date and Cool Weather Hopes
Mark your calendars for September 8th, falling a couple of weeks later than usual this year. Organizers are hopeful that the shift will bring cooler weather, making for a more enjoyable experience for attendees.
VIP Event Kicks Off the Festivities
The festivities begin the night before with a “Friends of the Festival” VIP event at the World’s Fair Park Amphitheater. The event runs from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and includes performances by the Matsuriza Taiko Drum Troupe and the Natyarpana Dance Company. Attendees will also enjoy an exclusive performance by the ASHURA ninja corps from the Ninja Museum of Iga-ryu.
General Festival Information
The main festival kicks off at 10:30 am the following day and concludes at 6:00 pm. This year, there will be a $3.00 entry fee for participants aged twelve and above. The nominal charge will help support the festival’s sustainability and the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee’s continued outreach and educational programs. Remember, all transactions will be cashless, and tickets can be purchased in advance for an expedited entry.
Activities and Performers
The day begins with the beautiful parade of nations, featuring delegations from over a dozen countries. Highlights include:
- Gamelan musicians from Bali, Indonesia
- Filipina singer Khay Shaw and the Mabuhay Dancers
- Japanese Shamisen Concert
- Nepal Dance Performance
- Korean Fan Dancers
- K-pop Dance
- Dragon & Lion Dance by Wah Lum Kang Fu School
- Nashville Tiko Drum Performance
- Matsuriza Drum and Ninja shows at 1:30PM and 4:30PM
Culinary Delights and Cultural Tents
No festival would be complete without a feasting experience. Expect more than forty food vendors representing countries such as Japan, Indonesia, China, Philippines, Vietnam, and more. There will also be dozens of arts and crafts vendors and interactive activities.
Featured cultural events include:
- Thailand Pavilion – “Loy Krathong,” where you can float a beautiful flower basket in respect to the water spirit.
- Japan Pavilion – Participate in a Green Tea Ceremony and dress in a summer kimono for a photo at the teahouse.
- Indian Pavilion – Experience Holi Festival, a celebration of colors, love, and spring.
- Vietnam Culture Tent – Try samples of Vietnamese French Coffee.
Recognition and Sponsorship
The Knox Asian Festival has grown to become one of the largest Asian festivals in the United States. It was recognized as the Best Arts and Culture Festival in the South by the Southeast Festivals and Events Association. Generous sponsors like Arts & Culture Alliance, Visit Knoxville, and Tennessee Valley Authority ensure its ongoing success.
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