I believe a number of new events have been added to AsiaFest 2010?

RT.That’s correct. One of these is Kite flying. There’ll be demonstrations of kite flying as recreation, art and aerial surfing. A workshop on kite flying will he held too. Kite flying is part of many cultures. Kites are used as a fishing aid in the Solomon Islands. Koreans use kites to announce the birth of a child. The Chinese and the Japanese used kites during battles. Flying kites is one of the rituals connected with spring in India. The Japanese celebrate Children’s Day with kites. Hence kite flying will appeal to a lot of people

The Instrument Petting Zoo is another first. Children will be allowed to try out and play various instruments. As a contrast, a respected teacher of classical music will ask his students to play a few pieces on the violin in an adjoining area.

Then of course there will the regular art and paint activities that keep children occupied while their parents enjoy the presentations on the stage.

As you can see, AsiaFest makes sure that it becomes a family day out.

Which countries will be represented this year?

RT It’ll be a dazzling expo of various Asian cultures. Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Filipino, Bangladeshi, Pakistani.

Will any particular aspects of culture be emphasized?

RT No. We try to work for a balance. There will be demonstrations of different kinds of martial arts. There will be dances from India, the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Japan. Various ethnic musical instruments, including drums, will be played. There will be re-mixes and fusions not only within each culture, but also across cultures, like American hip hop and Indian bhangra.

Talking about re-mixes, it’s an interesting fact that a fair percentage of performers – dancers, drummers, martial arts artists – are non-Asian Americans. Their interest or curiosity has led them to acquire these skills. They perform as well as people of Asian origin.

I was fascinated by all the ethnic costumes

RT.One of the presentations is a Fashion Show. However, seeing so many people in ethnic costumes moving around the ground, I think of it as a Spontaneous and informal Fashion Show.

I believe one of the bonuses of a day like this is eating out

RT.Absolutely. There’ll be a huge variety to savor. Ethnic food will be served by well known restaurants. There will be stalls by such reputable institutions as Joy Luck BBQ, the Vietnamese Association, 7 Spices, Cassis, Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream, Boba Latte. There will also be Thai and Malaysian food

Can you talk about the significance of Asia Fest?

RT.The Asian population in Plano is growing fast. Guesstimates put the figures at 17%. The forthcoming Census will give us the exact numbers

The first generation immigrants tend to congregate with each other. Such groups look inwards. The second generation Asian Americans understand their dual heritage, but have few outlets for its expression. Both generations feel the need for integration at different levels.

This gap in the social fabric of Plano’s multicultural diversity led to the founding of CAAHF or Celebrating Asian American Heritage Foundation, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization. The objectives of CAAHF are four-fold: to create opportunities for the inwardly-looking groups of first generation immigrants to open up and integrate; to give the second generation Asian Americans an occasion to participate in and exhibit their dual heritage; to set a stage for the diverse communities of Plano to come together and interact at various levels; to reflect the desire of the Asian communities to contribute to and enrich the cultural life of their cities.

Is there a reason AsiaFest is always held in May every year?

RT. Yes. In 1990, President George Bush designated May as the Asian/Pacific Heritage month.

Am I to understand that AsiaFest2010 is a private initiative?

RT.It is a private non profit initiative supported by the Mayor, the City Council and the Plano Cultural Affairs Commission. It is sponsored by the City of Plano and local area businesses. The support and sponsorship of the event by such high placed government wings highlights the importance of Asians in the life of Plano’s multicultural population.

Will AsiaFest2010 provide other non-profits a platform too?

RT. Yes, it will. The Asian Breast Health Outreach Project, Vibha and the Plano Symphony Orchestra.

It will allow the Asian Breast Health Outreach Project and Komen North Texas Affiliate to publicize the Race for the Cure. The Dallas Chinese Choral Society will dance and sing on the stage to raise breast cancer awareness. Kite flying is being organized by Vibha. Vibha's mission is to educate, empower and enable every individual to make a positive difference in the life of underprivileged children. The Instrument Petting zoo is being organized by The Plano Symphony Orchestra.

Any message for the residents of Plano and the neighboring cities

RT.AsiaFest 2010 promises a fun-filled day for the family. Entrance is Free. Parking is plentiful around HaggardPark. Don’t forget the date: 1st May 2010, 11.00 am to 5 p.m