Asian-American doesn’t just mean Chinese or Japanese. Iowans have the opportunity to learn all about the many nations of the Asian continent at today’s fifth annual Asian Heritage Festival, underway in Des Moines. Kim Poam Logan, executive director of the Iowa Asian Alliance, says it’s a chance to experience Asia — in Iowa.
Logan says there are 13 Asian villages and within each are "tons of food," cultural exhibits, historical exhibits, hands-on activities and gift shops. This year’s festival will be held at Blank Park and the adjoining Blank Park Zoo — and the zoo is offering free admission. Logan says the festival will be accented by activities from kite flying to dragon boat rides.
Logan says there will be Martial Arts, children’s activities, cooking demonstrations, gardening tips, live entertainment on two stages with live music, cultural presentations and fashion shows. She says there’s no place else in Iowa where you can experience such a wide diversity of tasty treats and delicacies.
Logan says the food can be traditional Chinese or much more exotic. Villages represent 13 nations or cultures, including: Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Laotian, Nepalese, Taidam, Thai and Vietnamese. The fest is open from 10 A.M. until 9 P.M.