Dumplings, vendors, food trucks: Downtown Cary hosts Taste of China Festival this weekend
If you're looking for outdoor plans this weekend, downtown Cary has you covered.
Academy Street will be closing down to traffic to host the Taste of China Food and Culture Festival. Admission is free, and guests can enjoy a variety of flavors, sights and sounds, including:
- Dim sum
- Tasting diverse and traditional foods from across China
- Exhibition booths
- Fitness dragon ribbon dancing (interactive)
- Vendor booths
- Traditional music performances
- Cultural activities
- Face painting and balloon animals
- Cooking demonstrations
- Children's activities
- Food trucks
From delicious, savory dumplings to traditional bubble tea, savory stir-fry dishes and meat kabobs, pork bao and noodles, sweet mochi and desserts, matcha dusted crepe cakes, ube ice cream -- you can taste flavors from across China. The Taste of China Facebook page has a full description of events and activities, as well as maps of the event layout.
"Of course, at the heart of our festival is the food," say organizers. "China's culinary traditions are some of the most diverse and sophisticated in the world, and we are proud to offer a wide range of delicious dishes from across the country. From the fiery spices of Sichuan cuisine to the delicate flavors of Cantonese dim sum, you will have the opportunity to taste and savor some of the most iconic and delicious dishes of China."
There will also be a range of cultural activities and events, such as cooking demonstrations and traditional performances.
"Through these activities, you will learn about the customs and traditions of China, and gain a deeper understanding of the country's history, art, and cuisine," say organizers.
The festival is hosted by The Chinese-American Friendship Association of North Carolina (CAFA) and sponsored by the Town of Cary. Organizers hope food and cultural events will connect people and bridge cultures. They hope to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of China's rich and diverse culture. WRAL's own Renee Chou will be emcee of the event.
The Taste of China Festival has hosted two previous events, which have been very successful, attracting over 20,000 attendees.
The festival is Saturday, April 15 from noon until 5 p.m. in downtown Cary. Admission is free. Parking is available in decks around downtown Cary.
Looking for some other weekend plans? Here are WRAL Out and About's Weekend Best Bets.
