Sunday, June 22 gave Naperville residents a chance to celebrate Asian culture at the 6^th Annual Asian Heritage Festival. The event, held by the Xilin Association, showed off the Asian culture with traditional Asian dances, musical performances and a special Kung Fu exhibition performed by the Chicago Shaolin Temple.

Linda Yang with the Xilin Association says the event was enjoyable for all residents and has seen an increase in attendees since the event has moved outside to the Naperville Center in 2006. They have also invited different groups such as All-Star Kung Fu School and numerous vendors to join the festival making it a bigger event.

“This year we added a lot of booths, and it has more of a festival feel to it. That has brought more of the community in, people walking their dogs just stop by,” said Yang.

According to the American Community Survey Asian Americans make up 13 percent of Naperville's population. While some are first generation immigrants, most are not which is why events like the Heritage festival are important for keeping their Asian culture alive for these residents.

Liah Tehan helped instruct one of the dances performed at the festival and enjoyed seeing the kids take to the stage.

“It really gives a lot of the children involved a chance to learn more about their heritage and they have fun when they are performing,” Tehan said.

The event was not only about traditions, but about raising money for Chinese earthquake victims. The earthquake last month, in Sichuan province of China killed nearly 69,180 people.

In an effort to help those affected by the earthquake, the Xilin Association has teamed up with the Sichuan Opera House performing arts group to help rebuild an elementary school.

“It’s really about this one school. If we could get the community of Naperville together to help re-build this school it would be a great contribution,” Yang said. 

Funds raised at the festival will go to help rebuilding the Chinese school which will cost around $150,000.

Residents who want to donate to rebuilding the school through the Xilin Association contact them at the community center at 630-355-4322 or e-mail at asiancommunitycenter@xilin.org.