As San Francisco grows increasingly diverse, we are continuously exposed to new ideas and cultural influences from around the world. San Franciscans enjoy the music, food, and traditions of many cultures. One of the most important annual celebrations for Asian communities around the world and here in San Francisco is the Autumn Moon Festival. On September 19th this year, millions of people around the world will pay tribute to this cultural tradition. Here in San Francisco, our vast Asian community will celebrate too. In 2005, the Sunset District Autumn Moon Festival Committee began a new tradition in the Sunset neighborhood by hosting a wildly popular Autumn Moon Festival. An estimated 5,000 people enjoyed the captivating entertainment, delicious food, and variety of products offered by 50 vendor booths. We continued the tradition annually with added attractions like a Kids Corner of free pony rides, jumping house, and animal petting zone, as well as live broadcasts from local radio stations and giveaways from numerous vendors. Due to popular demand, we have since expanded the Festival an extra block, and increased our vendor participation to a bulging 100 vendor booths. This exciting street festival brings together individuals, families, businesses, community leaders and organizations from not only the Sunset neighborhood, but all of San Francisco and its neighboring cities, to share in the excitement of honoring an ancient custom. The event is the only annual cultural community celebration in the Sunset neighborhood. We estimate over 15,000 people attended the Festival each year. In 2010, we introduced the same Festival to residents of San Mateo and its neighbors in vibrant Downtown San Mateo. It was also well attended and highly popular. We have received many requests to continue the tradition.
This year, the Festivals will take place on Saturday, September 7th on Irving Street, from 22nd to 25th Avenues in the Sunset District, and Sunday, September 8th in Central Park of San Mateo. The events will include lion dances, arts and crafts, traditional performances, delicious foods, product vendors, and exhibitors from community organizations and government agencies. Many of our Festival attendees enjoy the unique on-stage artistic demonstrations and superior cultural performances so much that at the stage area, there is barely an empty seat at any given time, and always a standing-room-only crowd. For example, vibrant fashion shows and celebrity chef demonstrations have enchanted audiences. We are lucky to live in a socially and culturally diverse community that is very open to celebrating cultural traditions from around the world. We hope you find this community celebration an educational and enjoyable experience.
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