LI festival celebrates Asian cultures

To the thump of drums and clash of cymbals, the glittering, feathered lions danced.

The rousing performance -- with children inside the costumes -- was a fitting kickoff to the Asian American Festival in Port Washington Saturday.

"You bless the event with the lion dance," said Patty Chow, coordinator of the lion dance troupe at the Chinese Center on Long Island.

According to Chinese lore, the dance also chases away "evil spirits," she said.

The opening ceremony at North Hempstead Beach Park also featured children in colorful costumes representing a variety of cultures, singing "We are the World."

Under sunny skies beside the waters of Hempstead Harbor, the event drew thousands to the park for a taste of ethnic foods, art and entertainment. Five Asian cultures were represented: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian and Pakistani.

The second annual festival, North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman said in his welcoming remarks, was an opportunity to "celebrate the diversity, celebrate the culture . . . and celebrate each other."

Kaiman said Asian-Americans have become "so much a part of this town, we thought it was appropriate here in the Town of North Hempstead to partner with the various communities" to develop the festival, which joins the more established yearly Italian-American celebration.

In North Hempstead Town, census data show, Asians make up 15 percent of the population -- the highest percentage of Asians in any town on Long Island.

Town officials have said last year's festival drew nearly 5,000 people and expected Saturday's to attract 5,000 to 10,000.

"It's great that the town appreciates diversity," said Jennifer Lee of Port Washington, who attended with her husband, Jacob, and 18-month-old daughter, Olivia.

Tom and Melba Ivarone of New Hyde Park brought their 5-year-old son, Jerry.

"We find these cultural events interesting," said Tom Ivarone, adding that he's Italian and his wife is Filipino.

Melba Ivarone praised the festival as a way to "keep people together." It's also an opportunity, she said, to "help make our son culturally aware."

Helen Chin, president of the Chinese Center and a festival planner, said the event helps forge bonds in the community.

"Everybody enjoys singing. Everybody enjoys dance," she said. "Everybody enjoys beauty, no matter what country, no matter what language."