The festival once again partners with the annual Obon & Taiko Festival, July 30, 2022
Contact: David Tam, Event Director
Davidyuentam@gmail.com, (541) 554-9350
Eugene, OR — The 2022 Oregon Asian Celebration returns as a riverfront outdoor festival on Saturday, July 30th at Alton Baker Park. This annual event once again partners with the Obon and Taiko Festival to create a festival within a festival along the expansive riverfront park.
This Asian cultural heritage event features a diversity of performances, demonstrations, folkcrafts, youth activities, a marketplace, Asian food trucks/booths, and more. In addition to the main performance stage, a second stage is planned for the site to feature martial arts demonstrations and performances. Festival hours are from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and admission is free.
The 2022 festival enters its 37th year and celebrates the Year of the Tiger, which coincidentally is also the Year of the Water Tiger according to the Chinese zodiac and mythology. The last Water Tiger year was in 1962. Of the five Chinese zodiac elements water, fire, metal, wood, and earth, water brings out one’s emotions more so than any of the other elements. The year 2022 may see people finding enthusiasm again for themselves and with others. Because the tiger also symbolizes strength, 2022 could offer hope amid challenges where good health, well-being, and positive social change are possible.
Festival performances include cultural dances of various Asian and Pacific Islander ethnic groups, taiko drumming, martial arts, and instrumental music such as koto and gamelan. Additional activities feature; craft demonstrations, a variety of marketplace and craft vendors, and a diversity of Asian food trucks and booths selling tempting Asian fare.
The annual Obon & Taiko Festival features traditional and contemporary Japanese Obon dances that honor one’s ancestors and departed loved ones. Obon dancing occurs in concentric circles to Japanese folk music. Dances can include fans and scarves and are easy to learn for all ages.
Free Obon dance classes are offered at Sheldon Community Center every Thursday in July from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Mondays, July 18 and 25. Although the class is free, registration is required by contacting Sheldon Community Center at (541) 682-5312. For event information and schedules, visit www.AsianCelebration.org.
The Oregon Asian Celebration and Obon & Taiko Festival is produced by the Asian American Council of Oregon and the Japanese American Association of Lane County in partnership with event sponsors Northwest Community Credit Union, City of Eugene, University of Oregon, KVAL-TV, KLCC, and the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace.
