The Flushing Development Center and MetroPlusHealth is inviting the community to celebrate the founding of Flushing in 1645 and the 21st Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, on Saturday, Sept. 18.
A press conference was held on Friday, Sept. 10, by organizers and sponsors of the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is a traditional festival celebrated by many East and Southeast Asian communities where families come together and watch the full moon, eat moon cakes and sing moon poems.
This year’s festival in Flushing includes a scheduled list of activities that will take place at Kissena Corridor Park. There will be kite flying, an opening ceremony and musical performances, a mooncake eating contest, a fireworks show and a parade with elected officials along Main Street from 38th Avenue to Elder Avenue.
Fred Wu, president of the Flushing Development Center, said they’re proud to carry the celebration tradition to its 21st anniversary.
“After the pandemic and anti-Asian hate crimes, it is important to show our vibrant Asian cultures and traditions to the public,” Wu said. “We are very glad to see all ethnic groups standing with the Asian communities.”
Director Ann Hu of the movie “Confetti” who is a major sponsor of the event, thanked Wu for organizing the festival, allowing them to celebrate with all communities in New York, and wishing everyone a happy Moon Festival.
“The Mid-Autumn Festival is a festival for a family reunion. It means a lot to oversee Chinese and Chinese descendants,” Hu said.
Luna Liu, an event specialist and community relations official for MetroPlusHealth, said they’re proud to sponsor and partner with the Flushing Development Center for the festival.
“May this year’s celebration bring health, prosperity, peace and unity for all,” Liu said. “Enjoy the festival’s music, food, performances and activities.”
NYC Health + Hospitals’ Test and Trace mobile will be on site from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Colden Street and Elder Avenue. Representatives from MetroPlusHealth, NYC Commission on Human Rights and the Queens district attorney’s office will provide information on healthcare, human rights and legal rights.
Queens lawmakers such as Councilman Peter Koo and Assemblyman Ron Kim thanked the organizers for their efforts in organizing and supporting the wholesome and diverse event.
“The more activities we have, the more vibrant we are. This is a cultural and spiritual event. By doing this kind of event, we are promoting spiritual health for all of the residents here,” Koo said. “Even though it’s not a very huge parade, everybody in the community can participate.”
According to Kim, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a cherished and essential tradition for many residents and communities in Queens.
“This multicultural gathering is a wonderful occasion for us to come together in gratitude for the amazing food and the company of our friends and neighbors, echoing this holiday’s celebration of prosperity and a good harvest,” Kim said.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said the Mid-Autumn Festival is a “joyous annual celebration” of the arrival of the harvest season, and the benefits of having so many cultures represented in Queens.
“With our community having gone through so much over the past 20 months, it is great to be able to spend time with family and friends during what will be a spectacular parade and festival. I salute the Flushing Development Center, MetroPlusHealth and all those who are involved in organizing this celebration.”
