Smiles, music and cultural pride filled DeSoto Town Center as the city hosted its annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Festival for the second consecutive year.
The event saw residents and visitors together for a day centered on unity, appreciation and community connection.
The free festival expanded on the success of last year’s inaugural celebration with more performances, vendors and interactive cultural experiences representing communities from across the Asian American and Pacific Islander diaspora.
Families crowded the festival grounds throughout the day, enjoying traditional dances, live music, authentic cuisine and cultural demonstrations in an atmosphere marked by celebration and togetherness.
“Events like our AAPI Festival reflect the heart of DeSoto; a community that values culture, connection, and the opportunity to learn from one another,” Mayor Rachel L. Proctor said in a statement released ahead of the event. “We’re proud to see this celebration grow and to continue creating spaces where all cultures are recognized and celebrated.”
Festivalgoers experienced a wide range of performances throughout the day, including traditional Tinikling dance, Lion Dancers, K-pop and Chinese pop performances and hula dancing.
Attendees also participated in activities such as origami, face painting, plein air art and a dance-off hosted at the DeSoto Public Library.
The event’s popular Parade of Countries also returned for a second year, highlighting the traditions, pride and heritage of nations represented throughout the AAPI community.
“What began as a beautiful inaugural celebration has quickly grown into one of DeSoto’s most exciting cultural events,” said Rolanda Brigham, the city’s arts, culture and heritage manager.
Community members attending the festival said they appreciated seeing cultures represented and celebrated in a public setting that welcomed residents from across the region.
“We appreciate having representation of the AAPI communities here,” attendee Anne Goady said. “My first time visiting this event so I look forward to coming in the future and we thank you for having the vendors and exhibitors and the experts out here to share information with our community.”
City officials said last year’s inaugural festival featured representation from 19 countries, and this year’s event expanded with increased vendor participation and broader programming designed to reflect the diversity of cultures throughout Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Dozens of food and craft vendors lined the festival grounds offering cultural goods and traditional dishes as residents moved throughout the event space meeting performers, artists and community organizations.
Attendee Ben Kennedy said he hopes the city continues organizing cultural festivals that encourage community engagement beyond DeSoto’s city limits.
“We would love to see the city put on more of these types of festivals,” Kennedy said. “We want the community to come out and get more involved with the things that’re going on, not only in DeSoto but Dallas and in the other surrounding counties, so we can all come together at events like this and we can all become a great community.”
The festival was organized through the DeSoto Texas Cultural Arts Foundation with support from community sponsors including Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Yu Law Firm, the Asian American Contractors & Professional Association, Ton’s Palace and Raising Cane’s.
The event aligns with the city’s “So Much To Love” community branding campaign, which emphasizes culture, diversity and civic connection throughout DeSoto.
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