Martin Thompson and his mother Patricia danced in their seats to the beating drums and rhythms of the traditional Dragon Dance at Ben Thanh Plaza in East Arlington.
The Arlington residents were among hundreds who turned out Saturday to attend the Tarrant County Asian American Chamber of Commerce's annual Eggroll Festival, Business Expo and Health Care event. Activities included a chance to taste Asian dishes and desserts and to watch Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Hawaiian and Cambodian dance and musical performances.
"Every year I bring my mother to the Eggroll Festival to witness the colorful Asian culture and, our favorite, the Dragon Dance," Martin Thompson said.
Thompson said he and his mother also took advantage of the many vendor exhibits for blood pressure, vision and other health screenings that were available.
The free festival featured colorful dishes, including an Asian dessert contest. This event aimed to raise awareness about valuable community resources and to promote Asian American businesses. Miss Asian American Texas, Miss Teen Asian American and Miss Cambodia International, were among the many special guests at the festival.
"My family and I come every year to get our flu shots, free health checks and enjoy some of the best Vietnamese Phở noodle soup in town and our favorite pork and vegetable egg rolls," said Arlington resident Bingwen Hong.
Hong said the festival is one of the many ways he can experience Asian culture in Arlington and interact in social activities with different people in the community.
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