Multicultural Asia Day is Passport for All Ages

Saturday, Sept. 16

When one thinks of the continent of Asia, it can often be difficult to fully understand how much of a variety in geography, culture, religion and history that single landmass encompasses. Yet it is clear that each distinctive nation's traditions and conventions are worthy of a closer look, and the 10th Annual Multicultural Asia Day hopes to provide just that.

Starting at 10 a.m., the doors to the expERIEnce Children's Museum will open and play host to this extraordinary event, brought to us by Erie's Asian Pacific American Association (APAA) and GE Transportation's Asian Pacific American Forum, representing the countries of Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar, Pakistan and the Philippines. Guests can participate in hands-on activities, view displays and even take in live performances, which begin at 1 p.m.

Erie APAA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the many cultures of Asia right here in Erie, while also giving Asian Americans a place to "network and share experiences." By showcasing the many countries which make up the vast continent, as with the Multicultural Asia Day (and the popular Asian Festival in the spring), Erie APAA creates not only a bastion for people from many Asian backgrounds, it promotes greater understanding of a continent which can seem light-years away from our own, making the world feel a little smaller and friendlier.

And by holding this event in the expERIEnce Children's Museum (and making the event free to members), the hosts are also including Erie's littlest — and potentially most enthusiastic — citizens in that mission. — Cara Suppa

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. // 420 French Street // $7 a person over age 2, free for museum members // www.erieapaa.org