Night It Up 2012
It was the
"Asian night market" that had everyone talking. Night It Up has, once again, successfully showcased the East Asian community around the GTA over the
past weekend. Organized by the Power Unit Youth Organization, a non-profit
youth empowerment and development group comprised of volunteers, the team
assembled a display of pop-cultural performances and authentic Asian street
food.
What exactly,
may you ask, attracted more than one hundred thousand people to this venue in
the Town of Markham?
Was it the sounds
of multicultural performances from talented young singers, bands and dance
groups?
Was it the selection
of over 100 food vendors representing Taiwan, Hong Kong, and many other parts
of East Asia, or the distinct aroma of stinky tofu from one specific cart?
Maybe it was
even through word of mouth that there were muscular men at the
"Trojan" sponsorship booth - willing to take pictures.
All of these features may have been a part of
the reason, but the sense of community among the East Asian within the GTA was
definitely the deciding factor.
Night It Up
offers the experience to gather and celebrate each others' East Asian culture. There
is a sense of pride when coming together to embrace our common backgrounds,
values and interests.
There is a
sense of comfort when walking around the night market venue and sipping fresh
watermelon and pineapple juice straight out of the fruit with family and
friends.
There is a
sense of appreciation when taking the time to be immersed in one's own
traditions, even for a few hours, while having the utmost respect for the multiculturalism
in Toronto.
Just like
Toronto's annual Caribana, this night market allowed the acknowledgement and
celebration of an unique culture - and this opportunity was certainly not
overlooked. The physical presence and high spirits among the East Asian
community at Night It Up 2012 were overwhelming!
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