Asian ‘Mid-Autumn Festival’ moves to Eastport Plaza area

INCLUDES ALL-WEATHER VIDEO | Discover just how successful this outer East Portland celebration was, after moving to Lents – despite the deluge of rain that swept through, that afternoon …

Before an “atmospheric river” flowed in, the third annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival was well underway in its new venue near Eastport Plaza.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival, held on September 14 in the Southern parking lot of Eastport Plaza at the newest location of the Hong Phat Supercenter [in the former WALMART building], drew record attendance of some 5,000 people, despite threatening weather.

Both those attending the third annual Mid-Autumn Festival, and its organizers with the White Lotus Foundation, looked at us quizzically when we arrived, late in the afternoon, wearing a rain suit and overshoes. But it turned out to be a good precaution, for there was a late-afternoon downpour on the way.

After her performance, singer Alana Rich greets fans and gives autographs.

On stage, these young dancers entertain the audience with a cultural performance.

Throughout the afternoon, entertainment on the main stage featured performances by five acts – ranging from a local pop music star, to music and dance cultural performances, all offered by members of the AANHPI [Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander] communities.

Watch our exclusive video of this one-of-a-kind festival, held here, in outer East Portland:

Then dark, rain-bearing clouds in the west skittered easterward across the sky, and the air chilled as the storm front moved in.

Although TV weather forecasters suggested there’d only be a “light mist of rain” – a real deluge swept in. The pelting cold rain sent guests scurrying for shelter under vendors’ canopies. Within minutes, rivers of rainwater runoff were flowing across the ground in the exhibition area.

Many of the celebrants found shelter under vendors’ canopies during the downpour.

The rain didn’t stop Lisa Douangphoumy – and her sister, and the co-founder of Sao Noi – Maly Douangphoumy – from selling their spicy, locally-made foods at the festival.

Some attendees, soaked to the skin, did run for their cars in the parking lot. However, an amazingly large portion of the crowd of revelers stayed on – hoping that the storm would soon be over. And, in  fact, after 20 minutes of heavy rain, the downpour did subside, diminishing into a light rain.

Although a bit damp after the storm, folks resumed shopping and dining at the festival.

Surprisingly, the storm did not even chase away most of the people still standing in line to get in – that line wrapped around the block as people waited to enter the festival. Prepared food vendors continued cooking and serving traditional and savory dishes, and sellers of merchandise resumed transacting with shoppers.

After the showers turned into a light drizzle, intrepid members of the White Lotus Lion Dance Team put on an acrobatic demonstration that had the crowd cheering and applauding.

New venue permits larger event
“We knew that we wanted to grow this event, and needed a larger space to hold it,” White Lotus Foundation Executive Director Nhan Danh explained after the festival was over.

\

White Lotus Foundation Executive Director Nhan Danh expressed happiness that the rain had finally stopped.

“So, we partnered with the new Hong Phat Supercenter – a local Vietnamese-owned grocery chain which welcomed us with open arms,” Danh smiled.

This year’s enlarged Mid-Autumn Moon Festival had space for 75 vendors, plus a large, elevated stage, dining areas, bouncy houses, and games.

After the storm, members of the White Lotus Lion Dance Team put on a remarkably energetic gymnastic demonstration while in costume.

“What most people don’t know is that we put on this celebration with only 25 volunteers – but they were outstanding volunteers,” Danh commended. “Seeing the line of people around the block, waiting to come in, after the rain lifted my spirits and gave me heart for the event; all of us are happy people stayed through the rain..”

Although volunteers Shana Pulahao, Randy Cao, and Jason Ho gave out hundreds of lanterns, organizers decided to against holding the traditional Lantern Parade due to their “Lucky Lions” getting wet in the rain.

Into the evening, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival continued as more people arrived to enjoy it.

“This festival brings the community together, rain or shine – that is clear!” Danh concluded.

© 2024 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

 

Comments are closed.

© 2005-2025 David F. Ashton East PDX News™. All Rights Reserved.