On September 7, Temple City buzzed with energy as the World Journal and local government came together for the sixth annual “Hi Mid-Autumn Festival Carnival.” Hosted at City Hall Park and along Las Tunas Drive, the event attracted a large turnout of residents and elected officials eager to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.
In our conversation, World Journal President Yu Zhiqin shared her enthusiasm for the carnival, pointing out that over 70 distinct booths were set up for guests to explore. She described an array of attractions, including a lively lantern painting area, a fun photo booth, a dedicated lantern display wall, and an outdoor movie section. The central stage showcased a series of thrilling performances, which concluded with moon cake sharing and a live raffle in the evening, all contributing to a vibrant sense of community.
Notably, Congresswoman Judy Chu and California Assemblymember Mike Fong were among the officials who addressed the gathering. They expressed their appreciation for both the World Journal and Temple City’s commitment to fostering multicultural exchange. Chu highlighted the significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival for Asian families, referring to it as a time for reunions and sharing the beloved mooncake, a symbol of deep cultural traditions. Fong remarked on the importance of last year’s passage of SB 1354, which acknowledged the contributions of the Asian Pacific American community to California and the nation. He emphasized how such events help to strengthen community bonds and promote cultural preservation.
Temple City Mayor Tom Chavez, Vice Mayor Vincent Yu, and Councilmember Cynthia Sternquist also took the stage to express their gratitude for the partnership between the World Journal and the city in bringing this wonderful celebration to the community.
The stage performances captivated the audience with a delightful array of acts including children’s cross-talk, impressive demonstrations of courage and skill from Shaolin Temple kids, exotic belly dancing, traditional Chinese classical dance, and modern K-pop routines by the Gao Dance Arts Center. Each act was carefully choreographed, highlighting various dance styles and their unique charm. A standout moment came from the Star Factory Arts Academy, where young bands and dancers energized the crowd with their remarkable talent. One proud parent, Ms. Zhang, expressed her joy in watching her child perform on such a platform, believing it offers essential support and encouragement for their growth.
Generous sponsorship from organizations like Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, HMART, New York Life, and Aflac Law Firm added to the event’s success. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and warmth as the community enjoyed a weekend full of delicious food and creative handmade crafts, each detail enhancing the carnival’s unique appeal.
