08 May, 2024
Orange County Government Public Information Officer
Email: PIO@ocfl.net
Email: PIO@ocfl.net
Orange County Government Announces Events Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May Calendar of Community Events Now Available
Orange County, Fla. – Following a proclamation presentation during the May 7, 2024 Board of County Commissioners meeting, Mayor Jerry L. Demings, on behalf of the Orange County Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Committee, has announced Orange County’s calendar of events to celebrate the diverse culture of the Asian and Pacific Islander community. The calendar of events is available below.
Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month) recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States. The AAPI umbrella term includes cultures from the entire Asian continent, including East, Southeast, and South Asia, as well as the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.
Calendar of Events
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Asian American Heritage Council – Asian Cultural Festival | Saturday, May 18, 11am – 4pm | Ocoee Lakeshore Center Bill Breeze Park |
| East Meets West by Made with Max Events Details – https://www.facebook.com/events/361494280201491 |
Fri, May 17 and Sat, May 18, 5 – 9pm | East End Market 3201 Corrine Dr. |
| Orange County Asian-Inspired Art Contest Award Ceremony Contact Shally Wong at shally.wong@ocfl.net or https://www.facebook.com/ocacfl |
Wednesday, May 22, 5:30 – 6:30pm | Orange County Admin Center 201 S Rosalind Ave Orlando, FL 32802 |
| Citrus Club AAPI Recognition Luncheon Presented by the Citrus Club, Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) and the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (GOAABA).For more details: David Yau (dyau@savvyiplaw.com) Kim Gray (kngray@bmdpl.com) Christine Berk (christine.berk@asianamericanchambercfl.org) |
Wednesday, May 22, 11:30 – 1 pm | Citrus Club 255 S Orange Ave STE 1800 Orlando |
From Orange County Library System
| Event | Time | Branch |
|---|---|---|
| Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month Challenge for Adults Join us as we honor and celebrate Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month! We invite you to explore and read about the rich cultural heritage and remarkable contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. |
May 1–31 | ocls.beanstack.org |
| Origami Club Fold paper lotus and unravel the fun of this ancient craft! Go on a fun and educational journey into the world of paper folding. Recommend for ages 8–12. |
Thursday, May 9, 3:30 p.m. | Orlando Public Library |
| A Trip to Japan Konnichiwa! Explore the land of the rising sun with stories, games and crafts inspired by Japan. |
Thursday, May 9, 4 p.m. | South Trail Branch |
| Kung Fu Show Presented by Wah Lum Kung Fu Temple A diverse team of professional performers from the Wah Lum Kung Fu Temple will present a Lion dance, kung fu and tai chi performance demonstration. Explore Chinese culture through this demonstration. |
Saturday, May 11, 1 p.m. | Orlando Public Library |
| Vietnamese Silk Painting Create a work of art that honors the technique and tradition of Vietnamese silk painting. Enjoy the unique character and beauty of this art form. Recommended for ages 15 and up. |
Saturday, May 11, 2 p.m. | West Oaks Branch |
| Chinese Tales Enjoy animal fables, crafts and activities at this library celebration of Chinese tales. |
Wednesday, May 15, 10:15 a.m. | Eatonville Branch |
| A Trip to Japan Konnichiwa! Explore the land of the rising sun with stories, games and crafts inspired by Japan. |
Wednesday, May 15, 4 p.m. | Washington Park Branch |
| Art History for Kids: Asian Calligraphy Learn the history of calligraphy as it moved from China to Korea and Japan and make your own masterpiece. |
Wednesday, May 15, 4 p.m. | West Oaks Branch |
| History Happenings: Ancient China Travel to the Forbidden City to discover the ancient world of the Ming Dynasty. Through crafts, activities and games, you will learn more about the fascinating history and culture of Ancient China. |
Wednesday, May 15, 4:30 p.m. | South Trail Branch |
| Cuisine Corner Junior: Sushi Explore the art of sushi making! Discover delicious ingredients and embrace the rich culinary traditions of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures. |
Thursday, May 16, 3:30 p.m. | Orlando Public Library |
| Eatonville Branch Adult Film Club Calling all adults! Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and enjoy the movie, Polite Society. Recommended for ages 18 and up. |
Saturday, May 18, Noon–2:30 p.m. | Virtual |
| World of Watercolor Experiment with watercolor in this guided interactive session to create a piece inspired by Ming Dynasty Porcelain! Learn about monochromes and explore the world of watercolor! Recommended for ages 18 and up.. |
Monday, May 20, 4:30–6 p.m. | North Orange Branch |
| Bao Babies Bounce on in for a storytime about dim sum, a popular Chinese breakfast. We’ll read stories, sing songs and learn some baby bounce rhymes. |
Tuesday, May 21, 10:30 a.m. | Fairview Shores Branch |
| Author Talk with Rebecca F. Kuang: Asian American Representation in Literature Register for a thrilling conversation with Rebecca F. Kuang as she chats with us about her New York Times bestselling novel, Yellowface, which grapples with questions of diversity, racism and cultural appropriation, as well as the terrifying alienation of social media. |
Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m. | Virtual |
| Teen Art Adventures: Samoan Siapo Cloth Discover the cultural importance of the Samoan art form siapo and create a patterned cloth of your own! |
Wednesday, May 22, 4:30 p.m. | South Trail Branch |
| Art History for Kids: Asian Calligraphy Learn the history of calligraphy as it moved from China to Korea and Japan and make your own masterpiece. |
Thursday, May 23, 4:30 p.m. | Winter Garden Branch |
| Lore at the Library: The Selfish Scholar Explore Japanese folktales by reading The Selfish Scholar and then create a craft. |
Saturday, May 25, 3 p.m. | Fairview Shores Branch |
| Discover the Chinese Zodiac Explore your place in the Chinese zodiac and create your own lantern to bring home! |
Saturday, May 25, 3 p.m. | Hiawassee Branch |
| Raya Storytime Visit the ancient world of Kumandra to learn about dragons, and save the day with stories, activities and crafts inspired by Raya and the Last Dragon. |
Tuesday, May 28, 11 a.m. | Alafaya Branch |
| Way Back When the Maori Voyaged Across the Seas Explore the mythology, art, and history of the Maori, the native people of New Zealand. |
Wednesday, May 29, 4 p.m. | West Oaks Branch |
| Chinese Tales Enjoy animal fables, crafts and activities at this library celebration of Chinese tales. |
Wednesday, May 29, 10:30 a.m. | Fairview Shores Branch |
| Polynesian Dance and Music Performance Experience Polynesian culture through music and dance. Learn about Hawaii and other Pacific Islands’ culture, music, and dance. Take the opportunity to practice hula movements. |
Friday, May 31, 11 a.m. | Chickasaw Branch |
| Chinese Guzheng Performance and Calligraphy Demonstration by Ann Yao and Li Wei Ann Yao performs cutting-edge interpretations of traditional material on the Guzheng. Professor Li Wei demonstrates Chinese calligraphy fundamental techniques and aesthetic values. |
Friday, May 31, 2 p.m. | West Oaks Branch |
About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.