Chinese ‘Autumn Moon Festival’ moves to Eastport Plaza

Published 12:00 am Sunday, November 24, 2024

This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival took place on September 14 in the southern parking lot of Eastport Plaza on S.E. 82nd Avenue of Roses, in front of the newest location of the “Hong Phat Supercenter” which is situated in the former Walmart building.

In this new venue the Southeast Portland celebration drew record attendance – some 5,000 people – despite threatening weather. It was put together by organizers from the White Lotus Foundation.

Throughout the afternoon, entertainment on the main stage featured performances by five acts – ranging from a local pop music star, to music and dance cultural performances, all offered by members of the AANHPI [Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander] communities.

Then, dark rain-bearing clouds in the west began to skitter east across the sky, and the air chilled as the storm front moved in. Although TV weather forecasters suggested there’d only be a “light mist of rain” – a real deluge swept in! The pelting cold rain sent guests scurrying for shelter under vendors’ canopies. Within minutes, rivers of rainwater runoff were flowing across the ground in the exhibition area.

Some attendees, soaked to the skin, did run for their cars in the parking lot. However, an amazingly large portion of the crowd of revelers stayed on – hoping that the storm would soon be over. And, in fact, after twenty minutes of heavy rain, the downpour did subside, diminishing into a light rain.

Surprisingly, the storm did not even chase away most of the people still standing in line to get in. That line wrapped around the block as people waited to enter the festival. Prepared food vendors continued cooking and serving traditional and savory dishes, and sellers of merchandise resumed transacting with shoppers.

After the showers turned into a light drizzle, intrepid members of the White Lotus Lion Dance Team put on an acrobatic demonstration that had the crowd cheering and applauding.

New venue permits larger event

“We knew that we wanted to grow this event, and needed a larger space to hold it,” White Lotus Foundation Executive Director Nhan Danh explained after the festival was over. “So, we partnered with the new Hong Phat Supercenter – a local Vietnamese-owned grocery chain which welcomed us with open arms!”

This year’s enlarged Mid-Autumn Moon Festival had space for 75 vendors, plus a large, elevated stage, dining areas, bouncy houses, and games.

“What most people don’t know is that we put on this celebration with only 25 volunteers – but they were outstanding volunteers,” Danh commended. “Seeing the line of people around the block, waiting to come in, after the rain lifted my spirits and gave me heart for the festival; all of us are happy that people stayed through the rain. This festival brings the community together, rain or shine – that is clear!”