Mary Smart from Aurora attended the sixth annual Moon Festival at Pacifica Square on Aurora’s East Side. She appreciated the event’s multicultural essence and its role in uniting the community. ‘It’s great that this is a multicultural event that helps bring people together,’ Smart expressed while waiting for a program to start. ‘Aurora takes pride in its diversity, and this is one of those initiatives.’
Pacifica Square, a shopping and lifestyle hub focused on Asian culture, held the festival on Saturday. Co-hosted by the Windfall Group, Pacifica Square, and the Global Friendship Exchange Foundation, the celebration lasted five hours. Activities began at 2 p.m., featuring over 40 vendors, food trucks, and dining at the center’s food court and restaurants.
The festival aligns with one of Asia’s most celebrated holidays, centered around family reunions and gratitude during the harvest season. Known for the year’s largest full moon, the event also highlights traditions like mooncakes and lanterns, according to organizers.
The event showcased cultural performances from diverse Asian countries, martial arts demonstrations, video game contests, and the Ramen Race, a ramen-eating challenge sponsored by Strings Ramen, offering over $1,000 in prizes.
Chris Loo, a business development manager for the Windfall Group and Aurora resident, remarked that the festival has been hosted at Pacifica Square since 2020. He noted it often draws more than 1,000 attendees when weather permits. ‘The Global Friendship Exchange Foundation, a non-profit, orchestrates the event. Their mission promotes cultural sharing, understanding, and peace,’ Loo explained.
Loo delved into the festival’s origins: ‘The Moon Festival’s history dates back to farmers celebrating under a full moon. It’s akin to an Asian Thanksgiving; communities commemorate the harvest season together.’ He highlighted that Pacifica Square has hosted this yearly event, featuring vendors, food, and special performances.
This year’s ramen-eating contest included three-time champion Robert Choi and international influencer Raina Huang, who flew from the West Coast to challenge Choi. Competitors from Best Buy Aurora, Ninjacat Card Shop in Naperville, and Hollywood Casino in Aurora and Joliet also joined.
Faith Oludoyi from Aurora attended with her children, emphasizing the event’s multicultural value. Her daughter, Temiyato, 9, enjoyed the activities offered, keen on sweets and books. The festival also featured service groups in a tented area. Jennifer Chen from Naperville represented the Chinese American Women in Action group, highlighting the region’s growing Asian community and the festival’s importance. ‘Growing up in Naperville, the Asian community has expanded, offering more diversity in choices. This event unites the community in celebration,’ she remarked.