By: Michelle LeGuerre
UTICA, NY — More than 350 residents gathered Saturday afternoon at the Parkway Center
Gym as the Midtown Utica Community Center (MUCC) hosted a vibrant celebration
honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event highlighted the
rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Utica’s diverse Asian communities through
music, dance, martial arts, food, and educational outreach.
Asian American and Pacific Islanders make up approximately 12.6 percent of Utica’s
population, and the celebration reflected the city’s growing diversity and multicultural
spirit. Families enjoyed an afternoon filled with cultural performances, raffles, face
painting, henna art, ethnic clothing and products, photo booth activities, and containerized
plant giveaways.
The event opened with young dancers Ashley, Emily, and Moe Moe, ages 6 to 8, performing
the traditional Nwayma Water Festival Dance celebrating the Myanmar New Year and
symbolizing renewal and transition into the new year.
Guests also enjoyed Karen original songs performed by Ozone featuring Meelo, Luis
SoDolo, and Casper. A high-energy Taekwondo exhibition thrilled the audience as
performers demonstrated forms, stances, staff techniques, and board breaking before an
enthusiastic crowd.
Additional performances included Karen Gospel Singing by Nah Klo and the Utica Karen
Don Dance performed by Ta Dar, Thaung, Su Klay, and Sayboh.
Community organizations attending included the Oneida County Health Department,
Oneida County Transportation, New York State Office for New Americans, ICAN, SNUG, On
Point for College, and Legal Services. Community partners included Munson, Bank of
Utica, Walmart, and Mohawk Valley Health System.
A variety of ethnic foods representing Burma and Southeast Asia were served, including
chicken, beef, noodles, and traditional fare prepared by local businesses and vendors
including Pho Vietnam, Taj Mahal, Muju International Groceries, Comana Asian Grocery
Store, Black Rice Restaurant, Shine On Wholesale, and Sam Ezekisoe.
During the celebration, Midtown Utica Community Center (MUCC) presented scholarships
to deserving students Alex Ewing and Eh Tha Yu Paw. The scholarships were coordinated by
organizer Daileny Guerrero and Executive Director Kay Klo.
“Events like this are important because they allow our families and young people to
remember their heritage while also celebrating the many contributions Asian residents
continue to make throughout Utica and the Mohawk Valley,” said Kay Klo. “Our cultures,
traditions, and stories strengthen the entire community.”
