North Carolina Asian Festival Marks 10th Anniversary — Fo Guang Members Share Culture and Vegetarian Cuisine

Reported by Hai Kuo, North Carolina, USA

The 10th North Carolina Asian Festival was held on September 20, 2025, at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, marking a decade of celebration. As the Triangle region’s only cultural carnival featuring dragon boat racing, the festival offered stage performances, Asian cuisine, cultural exhibits, children’s games, and health resources, highlighting the vibrancy and diversity of Asian traditions. State and local officials attended to show their support for multicultural community development, and the event drew more than 8,000 participants.

The North Carolina chapter of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) once again set up both cultural and vegetarian booths this year. The booths were organized by the First and Second Subchapters, with both presidents leading on-site, supported by more than 30 volunteers. Visitors flocked to the booths throughout the day.

The cultural booth featured posters introducing Fo Guang Shan’s Four Objectives, along with a “Spin the Wheel” quiz game where participants searched for answers from the posters. Winners received small gifts, while learning about Humanistic Buddhism and Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, North Carolina’s activities.

BLIA Youth Adult Division (YAD) members guided visitors with warmth and patience, clapping and cheering for correct answers, creating an atmosphere of joy. At one point, they even danced along with the stage music, bringing extra energy to the booth. The youths shared that the event broadened their horizons, helped them make new friends, and gave them valuable experience. “I didn’t feel tired at all after a whole day,” said YAD member Betty Liu, “instead, it relieved my academic stress.”

More than 1,000 Three Acts of Goodness thumb fans were handed out by early afternoon. Many visitors also received bookmarks printed with Dharma words by Fo Guang Shan’s Founding Master Venerable Master Hsing Yun, sparking thoughtful discussions on concepts such as “selflessness” and “true wealth.” First-time volunteer Crissie Luo noted how interested visitors were in meditation retreats and educational programs, and was glad that bookmarks helped more people connect with Buddhism.

At the vegetarian booth, volunteers served Mexican wraps, cold noodles, Chinese-style jelly (bingfen), and snowy mooncakes. Their friendly hospitality drew crowds, and many dishes sold out before the festival ended. With temperatures rising in the afternoon, bingfen became the most popular cooling treat. Volunteers worked tirelessly from early morning preparations to on-site sales. Volunteer Samuel Edison shared, “It feels great to offer delicious vegetarian food while supporting the temple.”

Festivalgoers familiar with Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, NC through past meditation retreats or English learning groups greeted volunteers warmly. Thomas Schaffer, a frequent participant in temple programs, admired the BLIA uniforms and immediately inquired about joining. He returned to the temple later that day to complete a membership form. Others who had only a basic awareness of Fo Guang Shan through Chinese classes used the festival to learn more about its values, activities, and community spirit, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Three dragon boat racers also visited the booth after their competition. They said the volunteers’ introduction gave them a sense of Fo Guang Shan NC’s peaceful environment and charitable mission, inspiring them to visit in the future. Veteran nurse Ida Wylie, who has served in NC for more than 45 years, praised the BLIA booth for its educational value and the volunteers’ friendliness. She expressed interest in joining Buddhist study classes for deeper understanding.

This year’s Asian Festival not only showcased cultural diversity, but also shared Fo Guang Shan’s spirit and mission through food, games, fans, and Dharma bookmarks with every visitor. BLIA NC Subchapter I President Gee Chia concluded that from preparation to completion, the event embodied the teamwork, creativity, and collective achievement of Fo Guang members.