Celebrate the Rich Tapestry of Asian Cultures at Arlington’s Vibrant Heritage Festival!

by Drew Shaw, Arlington Report
October 16, 2024

Mimi Cheung's life is a testament to the beauty of cultural diversity. Born to second-generation Chinese parents in Indonesia, she pursued her education in Taiwan before marrying a Hong Kong native. Now a resident of the Dallas-Fort Worth area for over three decades, Cheung has immersed herself in the rich tapestry of the metroplex's diverse communities.

Cheung’s mission? To showcase the vibrant and beautifully diverse Asian cultures she cherishes. When invited to help organize the inaugural Asian Heritage Celebration at Arlington Levitt Pavilion in 2022, she eagerly accepted, eventually becoming the event's co-chair.

Event Highlights: A Feast for the Senses

The third annual Asian Heritage Celebration is set to transform downtown Arlington on October 19, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Expect an evening filled with:

• Delicious Food: Savor authentic cuisines from various Asian countries.
• Exciting Activities: Engage in traditional Japanese sumo and learn the art of chopstick handling.
• Live Performances: Enjoy 28 performances from local and regional artists, showcasing the cultural richness of 19 Asian countries and regions.

Cheung emphasizes that “the United States is my country, but we must promote our beautiful Asian cultures and heritage.” Her vision is to enlighten more people—especially children and non-Asians—about the significance of these cultures.

Building Bridges Through Diversity

Letatia Teykl, the executive director of Arlington Levitt Pavilion, underscores the venue's mission to celebrate diversity. Arlington ranks as the fifth-most diverse large city in the U.S., making this celebration particularly relevant.

The Asian Heritage Celebration holds special significance due to its proximity to the University of Texas at Arlington, which boasts a large population of international students from Asia, ranking as the fifth-most diverse university in the country. Nearly 12% of UTA students were Asian in the fall of 2022, highlighting the community's multicultural landscape.

Cheung, who speaks seven languages, has dedicated over two decades to assisting international students in their transition to Texas. She aims to share insights into what their future in the U.S. could look like post-college.

Engagement Through Food and Learning

Local residents are likely to be drawn to the celebration for its enticing Asian food vendors, featuring everything from Thai delicacies to boba tea and unique Asian snacks. Attendees will leave not only with satisfied appetites but also newfound knowledge, like how to use chopsticks or have their names written in Chinese calligraphy.

As Teykl succinctly puts it, “We can all learn from each other. That’s what makes this day special.”

If You Go:

What: Arlington Levitt Pavilion’s Asian Heritage Celebration
When: 4:30-7:30 p.m. on October 19
Where: 100 W. Abram St.
Price: Free (Food available for purchase)
Tips: Arrive early to secure a spot on the lawn. For more information, visit the event's website. Performances will also be streamed on the Arlington Levitt Pavilion homepage.

What Do You Think?

• How do cultural festivals like this contribute to community cohesion?
• Is it important for younger generations to learn about their heritage? Why or why not?
• Should events like this be funded by the city, or should they rely on private sponsorships?
• How can similar events better represent the diversity within Asian cultures?

Drew Shaw is a reporting fellow for the Arlington Report. Contact him at drew.shaw@fortworthreport.org or follow him on social media at