Great Escape: Eggroll Eating Contest? Try It at the AsiaTown Festival

Summer is the season for festivals and fairs, and here is a new one to add to your list of favorites. 

The AsiaTown Festival was such a huge success last year, with more than 10,000 guests, that it's returning as an annual event on Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

The festival features  authentic Asian foods and merchandise, local and national performing artists, children’s activities, health screenings and games; the festival is a melting pot in action.  A complete schedule and map for the free event is available at its website.

The fact that Cleveland has its own AsiaTown may come as a surprise to many people.  Originally named Chinatown, it all started in the 1950s when waves of Chinese immigrants settled in the neighborhood between St. Clair and Payne Avenues and East 30th to East 40th Streets on Cleveland’s near east side. 

As time passed, local merchants decided AsiaTown was a better name to reflect the diversity of the area which is comprised of many different cultures in addition to Chinese including Vietnamese, Korean and Thai. 

So will it be dim sum at Bo Loong or a sweet bun at KoKo Bakery? Either way, there is an eggroll with your name on it at the AsiaTown Festival.