To celebrate the annual traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, the Arcadia Santa Anita Park in the city of Arcadia will be hosting the “2024 Happy Dragon Boat Festival and LUAU BBQ Midsummer Music Feast” from June 1st to 2nd. This event aims to provide an opportunity for people to enjoy the summer season outdoors, taste a variety of international cuisines, watch diverse performances, and spend quality family time.
The large-scale event is co-organized by the Santa Anita Park and Blue Sky International Communication, located at the central park of the racecourse near Gate 6 entrance. Over the weekend, a series of exciting activities will be prepared for the Chinese community in the greater Los Angeles area to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, while also introducing other ethnic groups to Chinese traditional culture.
Attendees at the event can not only witness thrilling horse racing but also participate in a special “Dragon Boat Race on Land” competition. The competition is open to company teams, corporate groups, family and friends, regardless of age. A large grass field racecourse has been planned by the organizers for the land-based dragon boat race, ensuring both safety and entertainment, as well as a festive atmosphere.
Groups and individuals who register for the “Dragon Boat Race on Land” will receive free admission tickets, with winners of the competition receiving trophies and prizes. Registration is simple and free, just call the hotline at 626-287-4566 / 626-287-4588.
The festivities of the Dragon Boat Festival will take place on June 1st (Saturday) from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, and on June 2nd (Sunday) from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. There will be continuous stage performances over the two days, featuring cultural entertainment from various ethnic groups, including dragon and lion dances, qipao and hanfu fashion shows, ethnic dances, Shaolin kung fu performances, and more.
On the evening of June 1st from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, a local renowned band will present the “Under the Stars LUAU BBQ Midsummer Music Feast,” bringing the Saturday activities to a climax. Imagine a midsummer night with a cool breeze, twinkling stars, and delightful music, enjoying delicious food with family and friends, creating a truly pleasant atmosphere.
Of course, where there are events, there is also a children’s paradise. The organizers have set up a special children’s activity area, divided into “Parent-Child Fun Workshop” and “Recreational Fun Zone,” emphasizing educational and entertaining themes for kids.
The workshop booths offer handcraft projects suitable for children of all ages: themed painting of dragon boats and zongzi, origami dragon boats, making sachets for the Dragon Boat Festival, traditional paper folding and cutting, painted paper fans and lanterns, dough figurines, and more.
The children’s play area provides large inflatable castles, pony rides, and other fun activities to keep the little ones entertained, including a bounce house.
Celebrating joyous holiday moments naturally involves enjoying delicious food. Various street food flavors will be featured at the event: teppanyaki grilled seafood, barbecue skewers, fried skewers, salted crispy chicken, stinky tofu, boba milk tea, sugar-coated haws, coconut jelly, mango coconut sticky rice, ice cream crepes, Hakka ground tea, Taiwanese leisure snacks, and more.
In addition, there will be a Traditional Chinese Medicine consultation booth on-site, and senior insurance experts from FQHC (Foothill Quality Health Center) will provide free medical insurance information to the public.
The organizers highlighted that the Santa Anita Park in Arcadia (285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007) has a long history and great reputation, often hosting various large events on weekends, in addition to horse racing. The Dragon Boat Festival is a highly significant holiday for the Chinese community, and they hope that nearby residents will not miss the Dragon Boat Festival celebration from June 1st to 2nd. ◇