The Town of North Hempstead hosted its second annual Asian American Festival at North Hempstead Beach Park on Saturday, May 21. This cultural celebration drew an estimated 5,000 people, some from as far as New York City.

This year's focus was India, China, Pakistan, Korea and Japan. Performance featured young Chinese American Lion Dancers, children singing "We Are The World," thunderous Korean and Japanese drums,  as well as the sounds of a bamboo flute, a Japanese harp and centuries old Chinese musical instruments. Also on tap: Korean martial arts, acrobatics and a fashions show, traditional singers and dance ensembles as well as a Bollywood medley.      

“The second annual Asian American Festival marks a critical step forward in the Town of North Hempstead’s mission to pay tribute to our growing diversity,” said North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman.  “What an incredible sight to see as thousands of Americans come together to celebrate our individual cultures, to recognize our diversity, and to cherish our own identities.”