Utah Asian Festival

According to the Chinese calendar, 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit—and also marks 34 years of the Utah Asian Festival. Dozens of countries are represented and celebrated, including Cambodia, China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, as well as Bosnia and Somalia.

The goal of the event is to keep the Asian culture alive and growing in Utah, show pride in heritage and—most importantly—to pass on customs and traditions to future generations. Dance, costume-making, music and food will be demonstrated and enjoyed by festivalgoers, as well as a kids’ activity center with games, crafts and a literature competition with a Year of the Rabbit theme. Performers from nearly a dozen Asian and Pacific Islander communities will show their own music and dance on the main stage, the main attraction every year. Head over to the free festival, see what Asia really has to offer and get to know our neighbors to the East. (Kelli Stitzer)

Utah Asian Festival @ South Towne Expo Center, 9575 S. State, 801-565-4490, June 11, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., free. UtahAsianFestival.com