On June 20th (Friday) at 6 pm, the 31st Chinese Festival in Hockessin, Delaware, kicked off at the Chinese American Community Center (CACC). This is the largest Chinese festival in Delaware, showcasing the rich Chinese culture through distinctive exhibitions, food, and artistic performances. The cultural performances included dragon and lion dances, ethnic dances, martial arts, and much more. The event spanned the entire weekend, attracting a diverse crowd of both Eastern and Western attendees.
Deputy Governor of Delaware, Kyle Evans Gay, rang the opening bell for the festival. She expressed, “I hope to see such diverse community events every year; it’s amazing! No one brings people together like CACC does. I can’t wait to enjoy some snacks with everyone today and celebrate.”
Director Huang Zhengjie of the Washington D.C. Overseas Chinese Cultural and Educational Center, speaking on behalf of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, expressed gratitude towards CACC for their continuous service to the community. He especially thanked the chair of the Chinese Festival Committee and event host Barbara Silber, for her diligent efforts in organizing the event and looked forward to close collaboration with the CACC community.
Councilwoman Janet Kilpatrick and Council President Monique Williams-Johns from New Castle County presented CACC with commendation certificates, acknowledging and applauding the 31st annual Chinese Festival held by the Chinese American Community Center. They thanked everyone for their efforts in blending Chinese and American cultures, enriching the community’s cultural tapestry.
Councilwoman Kilpatrick shared with Dajiyuan that she appreciates diverse cultures and loves Chinese cuisine. This was her 13th or 14th year attending the Chinese Festival, sometimes bringing her grandchildren along. She stated, “Our region is culturally diverse; each culture has its unique characteristics. It’s fascinating to watch them perform with pride for the public!”
President Williams-Johns expressed, “Seeing families reunite here, bringing children to celebrate with the Chinese community is heartwarming.”
Delaware State Auditor Lydia E. York described Delaware as a neighborly state and stated, “I am very familiar with Chinese holidays. I hope everyone enjoys the festival, the community, and the good weather this weekend.”
Host Barbara Silber introduced to Dajiyuan that CACC was founded in 1982, organizing the Chinese Festival for 31 years. She mentioned that the festival was not held some years due to pandemics or renovations, but she believed each year’s festival was unique with different exhibits. She stated, “We always include things people love – food, activities, performances. We try to add something new each year to enhance the festival.”
Silber mentioned her parents originated from the mainland, then went to Taiwan in 1949, and later came to the United States. She was born in the U.S., and her parents were among the founders of CACC, with her mother serving as the chair of the inaugural Chinese Festival. Silber referred to CACC as spanning several generations, remaining a continuous entity through the years.
Silber emphasized the importance of hosting the CACC Chinese Festival, saying that it’s a moment to celebrate the community, not just for Chinese Americans or Chinese, but for all local residents. She highlighted unity within the entire community during the festival.
Numerous volunteers participated in the event, with Silber and her husband Greg among them. Silber expressed, “Growing up here, volunteering is my way of giving back to the community as an adult. I can be a part of the community that raised me, and this community nurtured me, ensuring my safety.”
This vibrant Chinese Festival not only celebrates Chinese culture but serves as a unifying force for the community, fostering connections and appreciation for cultural diversity.