Lunar New Year is the beginning of the year according to the lunar calendar, and is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Asia.
For the first time, Lunar New Year comes to Maplewood as a grand celebration of Asian Arts and Culture. Free and open to the entire community, Lunar Fest NJ will be curated to offer a distinctive and authentic experience of Asia that reflects the tremendous artistic and cultural diversity of the region.
Lunar Fest NJ takes places this Spring 2018 at:
The Woodland
60 Woodland Road, Maplewood NJ
March 4, 12:00-6:00 pm
The festival will showcase the talent in our communities, featuring local Asian American dancers, musicians, chefs, writers, and artists. Families will have the opportunity to participate in several hands-on workshops, while sampling a variety of regional cuisines from local Asian restaurants. Lunar Fest NJ will also feature an eclectic mix of jewelry, clothing, and handicraft vendors.
Lunar Fest NJ 2018 Team
Lunar Fest NJ 2018 fulfills part of the mission of SOMA Cross-Cultural Works (SOMA CCW), a non-profit organization, to increase awareness and educate the public of different cultures.
This is the second festival that partners SOMA CCW and the Township of Maplewood to reach out to surrounding communities in New Jersey and New York. The first was Diwali Fest NJ.
Lunar Fest NJ 2018 is planned and executed by:
SOMA Cross-Cultural Works Inc.
Ommer Khaw, Festival Director
Aarathi Venkatesan,President
Mona Karim, Vice President
And by a dedicated group of volunteers, including:
- Andrew Lee
- Jessica Applewhite (logo design)
- Pamela Stoeckel (poster design)
- Jennifer Scheerer (graphics design)
- Judy Godwin
- Madhu Pai
- Allison Kim Lord
- Emni Mar
- Sharon Shum
- Vic Calle