The morning started with my suspension giving out. So I walked to the festival. Fortunately, I live less than a mile away; so it wasn't that bad.
The parade began at about 11:00am with the Cambodian Coordinating Council. What followed was a mash up of flags, entertainers, dancers, police, politicians, local businesses, religious organizations and youth groups. The parade itself spanned from Cherry to Warren and then rounded MacArthur Park.
Afterwards many of the performers in the parade took to the stage.
The Festival featured authentic Cambodian food, entertainment and cultural vendors. The event was co-hosted by sixth-district city council member Dee Andrews. In addition to Andrews, mayor Robert Garcia and Congresswoman Janice Hahn. According to local residents the turn out was at least twice the turn out last year.
The festival is the largest concentration of Cambodians outside of Cambodia, showcasing the community’s cultural heritage and thriving community businesses and non-profit organizations. It kicked off the celebration of Cambodian New Year 2559.
Okay, now I feel old.
In the coming
few months, many MacArthur Park residents will be coming together to
make Cambodia Town more inviting and walkable. Tomorrow, LA Sparks will be joining us this year for the Cambodia Town Culture Festival at MacArthur Park, right after the Cambodian New Year Parade!
Make sure you make your way over this Sunday, April 12th, 2015 to MacArthur Park. In the meantime, you can also show your support by liking Cambodia Town's Facebook Page.
