The Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (SacAsian), held on the occasion of the celebration of Asia-American and Pacific Islands Heritage Month, reached more than 2,500 on Friday, May 13th. at the Capitol Mall.
The sights, sounds and smells of the lively night market set the tone for the night with its more than 30 local AAPI-owned food and retail vendors lining the strip.
VIP experience
Attending were some of the region’s most prominent leaders such as: Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg; Congresswoman Ami Bera; Assemblyman Kevin McCarty; Stephanie Nguyen, Elk Grove City Council member and Deputy Mayor Darren Suen, to name a few.
Instead of its annual gala, SacAsian hosted a “VIP Experience” an hour before it officially opened its night market doors. Thus, the pre-event celebration was intended to provide a space to host their usual gala festivities in order to honor prominent figures in the community for their achievements. To do this, the VIP Experience served as a minor event within the Night Market.
The VIP experience featured wine and snacks offered by KRU Contemporary Japanese Cuisine; North American Food Distributing Company; Empress Wines and Felicita Wine Company.
During the event, Congresswoman Ami Bera took the podium and spoke about the rich diversity of the Sacramento region.
More than 20 years ago, TIME magazine said that “Sacramento was the most diverse community in the country.” Well, we still are, and that’s our strength. “That’s what makes the Sacramento region so great, and why the future is so bright for us.”
– Congresswoman Ami Bera
Among the winners was SMUD General Manager and CEO Paul Lau, who received the SACC “Honorary of the Year” award and also received a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Legislature.
It is important to note that the following organizations were also awarded in four additional categories:
- Fat Family Legacy Award: Binchoyaki Izakaya Dining
- Corporate Manager of the Year – Wells Fargo
- Community Impact Award – Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools
- Emerging Leader of the Year: Sonya Harris, Senior Advisor to COVID-19 Vaccine Working Group, California Department of Public Health
Entertainment and salespeople
Before sunset, guests received a varied combination of live performances from the East Wind Band; VFW Chung Mei Post 8358 Lion Dance Troupe; Koyasan Taiko Group and Makamae Melia ‘O Polynesia.
For Dusk, vocalists Basi Vibe; Kiyomi, and headliner, P-Lo took to the stage closing the evening with an electric shooting performance.
The host and DJ of the night was Soosh!
“It was an amazing experience to see the Capitol Mall full of support for the AAPI community, and Tower Bridge as a backdrop is unmatched. I’m looking forward to seeing this happen annually and expand. I mean, we’re exhausted this year. We have no choice but to make it even bigger next year, right?
-Xaxa!
Final thoughts
In fact, SacAsian has covered the entire range featuring a variety of entertainment and vendors. Thus, attendees from near and far responded positively to the first run of the chamber. For that, it was a memorable experience for many who expect to see the Night Market become an annual event.
“The night market did a great job of bringing people from all walks of life to a safe environment to enjoy good food! We also really enjoyed the performance of the Taiko group!“
-Ryan Nakano, a resident of Rocklin
Photos by: Marissa Johnson
“The food queues were long, but it was worth it because the Kabobs were on fire,” said Mike Aure, a resident of Natomas.
“My family really enjoyed the performances and all the talent on display at the AAPI night market. I look forward to seeing this event grow and continue in the years to come. I would love to make this a tradition!
-Mike Aure, a neighbor of Natomas
For more information on the Sacramento Asia Pacific Chamber of Commerce and its upcoming events, visit them online at: https://www.sacasiancc.org/
Night Market at the Capitol Mall; Sold Out Event Source link Night Market at the Capitol Mall; Sold Out Event