Moon Festival in Port Jervis: Food, Performances and Community Over Two Days

# What happened

Sept. 19 and 20. The free, two-day event combined food, performances, arts and community activities intended to introduce Asian cultural traditions to a broad audience.

# Who attended and why it matters

Attendance included longtime visitors and first-timers. Regulars said they come for the mix of performances and the chance to see different ethnic groups on stage. New visitors described the festival as an opportunity to try unfamiliar foods and learn about the festival's origin story. The crowd mix signals the event's local reach and appeal beyond the immediate Asian community.

# Food and vendors

Food was a major draw. Organizers reported more than 200 vendors offering a mix of Chinese, Western and international dishes. Specific cuisines on offer represented China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and other regions. Lines for popular booths were long at times but organized, and visitors praised efficient service.

• An artisan fudge vendor participated to engage with the community.
• A recently opened business brought laser-engraved wood products and crystal/Reiki offerings to reach new customers.
• A Chinese medicine practitioner with 24 years' experience attended to connect with a broader audience.

# Performances and cultural displays

Stage programming featured dragon and lion dances, classical Chinese dance and traditional Chinese instruments. The festival included cultural displays and children's activities meant to make traditions accessible to families.

Organizers created two themed "town and village" areas designed to evoke historic community settings. Those areas, along with two major art exhibitions, showcased traditional Chinese painting and jade carving, giving visitors hands-on or close-up viewing opportunities.

# Organizers' goals and visitor reactions

Quan Sha, a main organizer, described a desire to show "the best part of Chinese culture" to the community while promoting values such as kindness and tolerance. The festival's growth over 11 years and rising attendance reflect that objective gaining traction locally.

# Community impact

Beyond entertainment, the festival served practical community roles: spotlighting local artisans and small businesses, providing a launch platform for new services, and creating an accessible setting for cultural learning. Vendors and practitioners noted the festival's ability to introduce them to new customers and community members who otherwise might not encounter their offerings.

# Bottom line

Jervis functioned as a two-day cultural showcase with wide food selection, traditional performances, art exhibitions and community engagement. Its steady growth and mix of repeat and new visitors show the event's continuing role as a local cultural gathering and small-business opportunity.