On Saturday, September 21, the Association of Chinese Americans (ACA) proudly hosted the Healthy Gardening Fair at the Chinese Community Center from 11 am to 2 pm. As part of Oakland County’s Welcoming Week celebrations, this annual event has become a beloved community gathering that promotes gardening, healthy living, and cultural exchange. With over 400 participants and around 20 booths, the fair provided a vibrant marketplace offering fresh produce, crafts, food, drinks, and health-related information. The event was free to attend, ensuring that all members of the community had the opportunity to engage with local vendors, learn about healthy lifestyles, and celebrate the spirit of inclusivity and togetherness.
The Healthy Gardening Fair also served as a cultural showcase, with a central stage provided by Oakland County Parks that featured live performances reflecting traditional Chinese arts and culture. Attendees enjoyed a rich variety of performances, including excerpts from Peking Opera, suona music, Tai Chi, qipao shows, hulusi (gourd flute) music, Cantonese songs, water sleeve dances, Chinese yo-yo demonstrations, and even hula hoop challenges. This array of cultural performances added to the festive atmosphere and provided entertainment for all ages, highlighting the importance of cultural diversity and tradition within the community.
Through this event, ACA sought to create a welcoming environment where everyone, regardless of background, could come together to experience the joys of healthy living and cultural exchange. The Healthy Gardening Fair provided a platform for fostering connections between neighbors, encouraging a sense of community and belonging. ACA hopes that this celebration of health and culture inspired participants to embrace healthier lifestyles, appreciate diverse traditions, and strengthen bonds that transcend cultural boundaries, enriching the lives of all who attended.
