News Summary
The inaugural Memphis Lunar New Year Fair will take place at Agricenter International, showcasing a variety of Asian cultures and culinary delights. Organized by the Greater Memphis United Chinese Association, the event promises a day filled with performances, workshops, and traditional festivities, highlighting the growing diversity within the community. Admission is set at $15 for adults, while children can enter for free.
Memphis to Host First Public Lunar New Year Fair Featuring Diverse Asian Cultures and Culinary Delights
The inaugural Memphis Lunar New Year Fair is set to take place on February 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Agricenter International, located at 7777 Walnut Grove. Organized by the Greater Memphis United Chinese Association, this event marks the first public celebration of its kind in the city, celebrating the Lunar New Year, which runs from January 29 to February 12 in 2025.
This year’s fair will highlight the growing diversity in Memphis, featuring participation from various Asian communities, including those from Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, India, and the Philippines. It aims to promote understanding and appreciation of different Asian cultures while providing a festive atmosphere for all attendees.
Activities and Attractions
Attendees can look forward to a rich assortment of cultural offerings at the fair. The food theme for the event is ‘A Feast of Eastern Flavors’, showcasing an array of Asian culinary delights, including dim sum from the chief sponsor, Dim Sum King. Visitors will have the chance to indulge in various traditional dishes reflective of the diverse cultures represented.
The fair will also feature a performance stage designed to offer entertainment throughout the day. Highlights will include K-pop concerts, a traditional show by the Zhou Family Band, and multiple performances showcasing different cultures’ music and dance. In addition to these acts, visitors will be able to participate in engaging workshops, including those on Chinese calligraphy.
Beyond food and entertainment, the event will facilitate several engaging activities such as table tennis and mahjong. Demonstrations of martial arts, including kendo and tai chi, will also be conducted throughout the day. Traditional lion and dragon dances will add a vibrant touch to the festivities, enveloping attendees in the rich cultural heritage of the Lunar New Year.
Admission and Planning
Admission for adults will cost $15, while children aged 10 and under can enter free of charge. The planning for this significant event began in September 2024, involving a team of around 20 volunteers dedicated to creating an enriching experience for Memphis residents.
Context of the Event
The significance of this fair lies not only in celebrating the Lunar New Year but also in recognizing the diverse demographic landscape of Memphis. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 26,600 Asian residents in Shelby County, reflecting a growing community that continues to enrich Memphis culture.
Co-chair Effie Du, who has previous experience with larger Asian communities in Seattle, believes this event will help Memphis become more welcoming to its Asian population. By combining various cultural elements into one day, the Lunar New Year Fair aims to provide a vibrant celebration that emphasizes unity, diversity, and the shared joy of community.
As Memphis gears up for its first public Lunar New Year Fair, the event promises to be a day full of learning, cultural appreciation, and enjoyment, making it a landmark occasion for the city’s residents and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- Choose901: Ways to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Memphis
- Wikipedia: Lunar New Year
- Memphis Flyer: Asian Night Market Returns
- Google Search: Lunar New Year
- Commercial Appeal: Lunar New Year 2025 in Memphis Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lunar New Year
- StyleBlueprint: Belz Museum
- Google News: Lunar New Year 2025 Memphis
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
