Rain and humidity were not an issue for those who gathered for the 46th annual Chinatown Summer Fair on Saturday.
Located around the intersection of Wentworth and Cermak Avenues, the Chicago Chinatown Summer Fair is a way for Chinatown to share Asian culture among both Chinatown residents and people from all around the country. Hundreds of vendors lined the street showcasing their local businesses and providing an insight into Asian culture. Some offered Asian cuisines, herbs and healing plants, clothing, jewelry, face painting and more.
Before a welcoming ceremony at 1 p.m., guests were met with a dragon street performance. Colorful dragons slithered up and down the street and danced in front of the crowd that formed in front of the main stage. They were awarded money in red envelopes, which symbolizes good luck and prosperity in the culture.
The Chinatown Summer Fair is also a way for local stores and businesses to display their products.
Restaurants filled up as fair-goers tried new foods.
Spencer Ng, owner of Triple Crown, set up outside of his restaurant, which Ng said has been established for nearly 30 years. Ng said the fair is good for the community as it gives people who don’t typically come to that side of Chicago to showcase everything that Chinatown has to offer. It’s also just a nice family event, he said. “It’s good to see the neighborhood busy.”
Ken Huo, 63, said he has been coming to the fair for 10 years as a way to promote his Furma Mattress store in Chicago, show off his wares and meet new people.
The Ng Family Chinese Martial Arts Association gave a demonstration by Master Sam Ng. It was followed by Korean pop music and Bboy breakdancing competitions. Both dance competitions kept the audience entertained as the rain drizzled.
The first day concluded with the cover band Hello Weekend.
South Florida resident, Michael Anderson, 62, came to Chicago to visit some friends and explore Chicago culture, and the Chinatown Summer Fair stuck out to him. Anderson said he enjoyed the fair and seeing how “vibrant and joyous” everyone was.
Chinatown Summer Fair continued on Sunday with multiple dance performances throughout the day, a COPI Fish Ball “Eating” Competition and an Asian Pacific Islander Teen Alliance of Chicago performance. APITAC is a collaborative organization across Chicago Public Schools.
Through 7 p.m. Sunday at Wentworth and Cermak Avenues; free, more information at ccc-foundation.org
