This weekend is the Mid-Autumn festival in Chinatown where families, friends and neighbors will all gather to watch the moon at its brightest and watch for the fairy that dances on its surface

As legend has it, there were ten suns that appeared at once in the sky. The emperor ordered a famous archer to shoot down the nine extra suns. Once the task was finished, the goddess rewarded him with a pill that would make him immortal. By accident, his wife took it, and was banished to the moon.

While our eyes search for her presence, there will be martial art demonstrations, Chinese opera, a dragon dance and mooncake. What is mooncake, you ask? These round shaped pastries are filled with lotus seed paste and whole egg yolks which pack on the calories but are revered by the Chinese for their contribution in smuggling secrets to help overthrow the Mongol rule in ancient China.

Although there won’t be any surprises in your mooncake, try a piece and maybe even join us in dancing in the moonlight. After all, we only have one moon left.

13th Annual Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinatown
Sept Sept 13

Chinatown Friendship Gate @ 10th Arch
1pm-5pm Street Fair
6-10pm Parade and Stage Performances
www.aaunited.org