County Executive Calvin Ball and the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission, in partnership with the Inner Arbor Trust, is thrilled to invite you to the 4th annual AAPI Festival, celebrating the vibrant cultures, traditions, and contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in Howard County and beyond.
Register now for your FREE tickets to this family-friendly celebration of AAPI culture!
Founded in 2009 and based in Howard County, Maryland, the Gina Ling Chinese Dance Chamber is committed to promoting Chinese classical, folk, and minority nationality dance and performing arts. The group has performed at various dance venues, arts festivals, community cultural and special events. Through hard work and dedication the dancers grace the stage with spectacular performances and dazzling costumes. Though a relatively young dance troupe, they have received numerous accolades from diverse audiences in the Baltimore-Washington D.C. area.
https://www.facebook.com/ginalingchinesedance/
We represent the diverse islands of the Pacific: Hawaii, Tahiti, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Tokelau and Samoa. "Mana" means spirit of our people and our ancestors. We represent multiple islands, nations and languages.
Martial arts performance featuring the unique movements of Pencak Silat, a beautiful art from the Indonesian Archipelago. Guru Brandon has 2 decades of martial arts performance experience, has competed in silat internationally, and teaches in Columbia and Pasadena, MD.
http://www.mysilat.com
County Executive Calvin Ball welcomes guests to the fourth annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Festival.
We represent the diverse islands of the Pacific: Hawaii, Tahiti, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Tokelau and Samoa. "Mana" means spirit of our people and our ancestors. We represent multiple islands, nations and languages.
Kalai Koodam means Hippodrome of Art, is a school of Indian classical dance and Traditional folk dances of south India, which offer classes for all level, and every age group, without any restrictions. The moto is to connect, commit and collaborate with everyone mentally, physically, and emotionally.
We represent the diverse islands of the Pacific: Hawaii, Tahiti, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Tokelau and Samoa. "Mana" means spirit of our people and our ancestors. We represent multiple islands, nations and languages.
Ms. Inzali Htut is a Burmese-American born and raised in the United States. Mr. Toe Aung Lwin, a Burmese national, has spent most of his life abroad and has been a member of the Kumudra Myanmar Arts and Cultural Association in Singapore since 2018. Despite the physical distance from their homeland, both share a deep passion for preserving their cultural heritage and sharing it with the world. In this event, they will present a performance that honours their roots, traditions, and the rich cultural legacy of Burma.
Kaang culture dance
https://www.facebook.com/share/18t8brQRxQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
We represent the diverse islands of the Pacific: Hawaii, Tahiti, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Tokelau and Samoa. "Mana" means spirit of our people and our ancestors. We represent multiple islands, nations and languages.
Okinawa-style Taiko drumming group who believe in peace through understanding each other’s culture.
Aadi, the premier South Asian dance school in Howard County, will be presenting two classical pieces with roots in ancient India, one showcasing the traditional movements and the other a portrayal of deep love and devotion. Additionally, they will present a piece paying homage to India's pop culture icons of the yesteryear, through their signature style, Hindi Classics.
We are a Bangladeshi American organization. We have been running the Maryland Bangla School for the last 12 years. We teach Bangladeshi American kids Bangla Language, Bangladeshi culture, heritage, and music.
fb.com/mdbanglaschool
Ellicott Taichi Health Club is a local group of practitioners who aim to promote personal health and wellbeing through regular weekend practice of Tai Chi and Qigong in the Howard county area. It offers different levels of Tai Chi and Qigong trainings and instructor-led practices to the Howard County residents, particularly among Asian Americans and other minorities.
Hanpan Korean American Cultural Center, a nonprofit, Korean cultural percussion group is composed of students & adults ranging in age from 10 to 70+ years.
Mai-Anh Nguyen was appointed as Howard County’s inaugural Youth Poet Laureate. Nguyen is a student at Oakland Mills High School, active in the Youth Climate Institute, National Art Honors Society, National Spanish Honor Society, tennis and theater. Nguyen won the Jack Chalker Young Writer’s Contest and was a finalist for both the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest and Bennington Young Writers Awards. She received unanimous support from the Review Panel to become the first Youth Poet Laureate.
"Stepping Stones" students from Korean Culture & Art of MD have the passion, love for drumming, and spreading the Korean culture. Just this past March, "Stepping Stones" won First Place in the Charleston International Music Competition, out of 6,000 participants and 90 countries.
facebook.com/kcamd
Presenting a Travel Dance Drama
A group of 10 performers from India will showcase various cultural dance styles, including Rajasthani Ghoomar, Bengali dance, Gujarati Garba, and Punjabi Bhangra. This performance highlights the rich and diverse heritage of Indian dance traditions.
The Washington DC Taiwanese School Chinese Yoyo Club is a vibrant and talented group of young performers who showcase traditional Chinese yoyo (diabolo) skills. They are frequently invited to perform at cultural events across the region, sharing Taiwanese culture with energy and enthusiasm
Classical with a Japanese Twist by Misako Ballet Company.
http://www.misakodance.com/misako-ballet-company
Here at Alpha Academy, our core mission is professional development and strategic life training through Taekwondo and physical fitness.
http://iloveateam.com
Seven Souls, One Heart
In laughter loud and stories deep,
Through secrets that we always keep,
Sucheta’s grace, Priya’s peace,
Seema’s vibe that’ll never cease.
Supriya’s sparkle, bold and bright,
Swapnali’s hugs that feel just right,
Shilpa’s jokes, the mood she lifts,
Anuja’s warmth, her silent gifts.
Together we stand, a perfect blend,
More than friends—we’re life’s godsend.
Through every storm, dance, or cheer,
Our friendship grows, year by year.
The Howard County Chinese School Waist Drum Dance Group showcases vibrant traditional Chinese dance, combining rhythmic drumming with dynamic, colorful performances. Their energetic and captivating routines celebrate Chinese culture and bring joy to audiences of all ages.
Spotlight Academy USA is a dance troupe focusing on Indonesian dances and cultural education. Its mission is to preserve Indonesian performing arts and nurture Indonesian cultural education across ages and genders.
http://www.spotlightindonesiausa.com
1 - AAPI Festival Welcome Tent
2 - AAPI Commission/County Executive
3 - Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity
4 - Kira Kira Salon
5 - League of Women Voters of Howard County
6 - Chinese American Parent Association of Howard County
7 - Howard County Democratic Central Committee
8 - League of Korean Americans
9 - Korean Society of Maryland
10 - Howard County Chinese School
11 - Gilchrist Center
12 - Psychic Meditation Center
13 - Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS)
14 - iCode Columbia
15 - Community Health Initiative
16 - W.R. Grace
18 - Matcha Time Gift Shop
19 - Columbia Association
20 - Teaching Children Academics and Humanities
21 - Asians at Amazon
22 - Howard County Library System
23 - Howard Community College
24 - Taiwanese American Association Greater Baltimore and Columbia
25 - Zee Prints 9
26 - Howard County Economic Development Authority/Office of Workforce Development
27 - Howard County Office of Consumer Protection
28 - Art of Hennas
29 - Blended Bakery
30 - AARP
31 - Weichert Realtors
32 - Teaching Children Academics and Humanities
33 - Mediation & Conflict Resolution Center
34 - Maryland 529
35 - Asian American Educators of Howard County
36 - Rarer LLC
37 - Alzheimer's Association of Greater Maryland
38 - Wealthy and Wise Family Office
39 - Taiwanese American Diversity Associates
40 - Washington University of Science & Technology
41 - by Rachana Saurabh
42 - Howard County Police Department
43 - My Life Foundation
44 - Infinite Legacy
45 - Zen Garden Aromas
47 - Thanaka Making (All Day Activity) Drop in and make this traditional cosmetic and sunscreen paste)
48 - Dance and Drum Demonstrations and Children’s Books Readings (see schedule)
49 - Board Games Area (All Day Activity) Drop in and play Chinese Checkers, Mahjong, and more
50 - Field Games Area (All Day Activity) Drop in and play traditional outdoor games from China and Korea
51 - Howard County Recreation and Parks Field Games Area (All Day Activity) Play contemporary yard games and build with Imagination Playground
52 - Trust Information and Chair Rental
58 - Howard County Arts Council and Meet Your Elected Leaders
53 - Blowfish Poke
54 - Frosty Softy
56 - Lavish Ice Cream
57 - Clove and Cardamom
58 - Peter Chang Columbia
59 - Bun’d Up
60 - Sweet Coràzon
62 - Virginia Grill
63 - Thai Pinto
64 - Lechonbae
65 - Namit Filipino BBQ
66 - Praveen’s Dhaba
67 - Trust Concessions - Water, Soda, and Alcoholic Drinks
Location: 58 (Between the Chrysalis Stage and the Food Trucks)
Meet Delegate Jessica Feldmark
Location: 58 (Between the Chrysalis Stage and the Food Trucks)
Meet Councilwoman Deb Jung
Location: 48 (Between the Park entrance and the Barn)
Enjoy a story time with Howard County AAPI Commissioners as they read children’s stories featuring AAPI protagonists.
Location: 48 (Between the Park entrance and the Barn)
Learn a traditional Burmese Dance with a group!
Location: 58 (Between the Chrysalis Stage and the Food Trucks)
Meet Councilwoman Christiana Rigby
Location: 48 (Between the Park entrance and the Barn)
Enjoy a story time with Howard County AAPI Commissioners as they read children’s stories featuring AAPI protagonists.
Location: 48 (Between the Park entrance and the Barn)
Learn a traditional Burmese Dance with a group!
Location: 48 (Between the Park entrance and the Barn)
Learn a traditional Japanese folk dance with a group!
Location: 48 (Between the Park entrance and the Barn)
Enjoy a story time with Howard County AAPI Commissioners as they read children’s stories featuring AAPI protagonists.
Location: 48 (Between the Park entrance and the Barn)
Learn how to play the traditional taiko drum.
Make a traditional Burmese paste with cosmetic benefits and protection from sunburn.
Play classic Chinese games like Mahjong and Chinese Checkers
Play a mix of traditional Chinese and Korean games, including Jianzi, Gonggi, Jegichagi, and Ttakji.
Play with a wide variety of yard and picnic games, including cornhole and giant connect four.
Thank you to our sponsors for this year’s AAPI Festival: AARP, Asians at Amazon, and Howard Community College!
