Over 20,000 people experienced the diverse cultures of Asia last month at the 17th Annual Boulder Asian Festival, presented by the Boulder Asian Pacific Alliance (BAPA). The Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu Association kicked off the festival with a lion dance parade down the Pearl Street Mall and culminated their performance with a 20-foot multi-level stunt incorporating 30 members of the group. Throughout the weekend, over 30 vendors and 20 performers treated attendees to both traditional and modern interpretations of Asian culture. In one location, attendees were able to shop for jewelry and one-of-a-kind gifts, then feast on Nepalese, Vietnamese and Chinese Food from local restaurants, all while listening to the sounds of local favorites like Wendy Woo. For those looking to learn a different language, free introductory Chinese and Japanese lessons were offered in the Family Fun Tent. Boasting the only 100% Zero-Waste Asian Festival in Colorado, volunteers diligently manned waste stations to ensure that trash was separated into the proper receptacles. BAPA was hoping to beat last year’s record of diverting 90% of festival waste (approximately 1,500 pounds) from local landfills. Even the rain didn’t stop the festival. Showers on Sunday afternoon delayed the performances for about 30 minutes but the skies cleared up just in time for Denver Taiko to close out the festival. BAPA’s mission is to create awareness and understanding of the diverse Asian and Pacific Islander cultures throughout Boulder and the surrounding communities. The success of the festival proves that they are achieving their mission.
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