Celebrate Moon Festival this weekend in Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill
Three free events held Friday through Sunday
Yorkregion.com
Sept. 24, 2015
The Moon Festival celebration is shining on its seventh year this weekend in southern York Region.
Seneca College is the title sponsor for all three days of the festival, that kicks off in Markham this Friday, moves to Vaughan on Saturday and finishes in Richmond Hill Sunday.
“Not only do we introduce the Chinese culture to York Region, we are promoting cultural exchange and appreciation through this event,” said Daisy Wai, chairperson of the organizing committee.
“This year, we have invited a performance from the Indian community. This is the spirit we want to continue developing through the Moon Festival,” she said, stating the aim is for more understanding and appreciation of all cultures.
Originally named the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Moon Festival is one of the most important holidays celebrated by Chinese people around the world.
In China, the full moon has always represented the gathering of friends and family and the motto is “When the moon is full, mankind is one”. The Moon Festival is a time for family reunions and often families get together at scenic spots or parks for moon appreciation parties, and to eat mooncakes.
HELD IN THREE PLACES
The free festivities kick off at Markham’s Civic Centre the evening of Sept. 25 from 6 to 9 p.m., Hwy. 7 and Warden, and the program features lanterns for children, a getting to know you game, Chinese songs and dances, tea drinking, calligraphy and riddles and games.
The same program will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 26 at Vaughan’s City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr. W. in Maple, and finish Sept. 27 at the Oak Ridges Community Centre, also from 6 to 9 p.m.
A lucky draw will take place at the Oak Ridges celebration, the actual date of the Moon Festival. Japan Airlines will award the lucky winner of the Moon Festival Art Contest, held in conjunction with the York District School Board, with a roundtrip ticket to Japan.
