PE Asian Festival 5-11 — File 24-0685

PUBLIC EVENT/SPECIAL ALCOHOL LICENSE APPLICATION City of Somerville, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Application #: PEL24-000065 File #: 24-007255 Public Event Application for: 2024 Cambridge Somerville Asian Organization name: Festival 2024 Cambridge Somerville Asian Festival Event name: 2024 Cambridge-Somerville Asian Festival is Description: an annual two-day event, organized by Somerville Asian Family Network, Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs, and Cambridge Families of Asian Descent. The Festival aims are to highlight the diversity of heritages within the Asian American community, and provide a positive anti-racist vision through exposure to Asian arts, music, food, community leaders and more. We see this event as an opportunity to bring communities together to both celebrate our cultures and ethnicities and counter anti-Asian American sentiment in a positive way. City Hall parking lot for event parking. Location: 5/11/2024 Date(s): NA Rain date(s): 12:00 pm Setup starts at (time): 2:00 pm Event starts at (time): 5:00 pm Cleanup after the event ends at (time): 4:00 pm Event ends at (time): Workshops, performances, and art and Entertainment: food vendors N/A Temporary Structures: Attendees: Max attendance at one time: 250 Total people attending: 500 Maximum attendees accommodated: 500 Total Somerville residents attending: 400 $0, this is a free Attendee fees or suggested donations: event The Somerville Arts What is your budget for this event: Council awarded us $4,825. Social or cultural benefits: 2024 Cambridge Somerville Asian Festival is part of the AAPI Heritage Month event in Somerville that offers a dynamic platform for celebrating diversity and fostering community connections. By engaging residents in hands- on experiences with Asian cultures and food, the event promotes cross-cultural exchange, social cohesion, and a deeper understanding of AAPI cultures. Through educational opportunities, empowerment of AAPI chefs and home cooks, and support for local businesses, the event not only celebrates food traditions but also promotes cultural pride, representation, and healthy eating habits. By bringing together residents from diverse backgrounds to share in the joys of food, the event contributes to a more inclusive and vibrant community in Somerville. Financial benefits: We are hoping to support local businesses and organization by inviting local chef to participated as guest chefs at the Chef Q&A session and cooking demonstration. We are also inviting local businesses be the vendors of this event. Yi Lam Event Contact: [phone removed] Event Contact Phone:

Event Information Yes/No If yes, Describe Open to the public? Yes Utilizing the networks of the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs (SOIA) and public schools, as well as leveraging social media platforms, ensures a broad reach and engagement with diverse segments of the community. These channels allow for effective communication and promotion of the event, reaching both residents and potential participants who may be interested in attending the festival. Food served? Yes Dumpling, chickpea salad, dry noodle salad, Masala Chai, Bengali cuisine Caterer used? No Alcohol served? No Grill/open-flame device used? No Streets blocked? No Sidewalks blocked? No Describe any accessibility features available to attendees/participants Somerviva Office of Immigrant Affairs is the co-host, Arrangements: Police Detail: No Parking (for Attendees)? Yes We have been informed by the Somerville Arts Council that PorchFest 2024 will also be occurring on the same day, potentially causing heavy traffic around the City, High School and Highland Avenue in the afternoon. To ensure ease of access for families and residents attending the 2024 Cambridge-Somerville Asian Festival, we will like to request a permit to utilize the City Hall parking lot for event parking. Restrooms? Yes The restrooms at the High School cafeteria will be opened. Liability Insurance? Yes event insurance will be purchased. Will any public parks be used? No Has the event occurred in the last two years? Yes May 19, 2023 and May 21, 2022 Approval Conditions: Approved By: CS Mayor, Approved Kevin Roche, Approved CS Traffic and Parking, Approved Eric Weisman, Approved Timothy Mitsakis, Approved Charles Breen, Approved Kimberly M. Wells, Approved