Sunshine and Celebration: Mercer Island’s Mid-Autumn Festival Carnival Delights Community (Complete Show Recordings Available)

Yuan Fan
Oct 7
3 min read

MERCER ISLAND, WA – This past Sunday morning, October 5, the Mercer Island Community Center was buzzing with energy for a vibrant Mid-Autumn Festival Carnival. The event, which ran from 10 AM to 2 PM, was successfully co-hosted by the Mercer Island Chinese Association and the City of Mercer Island, drawing thousands of residents for a day of cultural immersion and family-friendly fun.

The celebration kicked off with a spectacular display by the Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon and Lion Dance Association. Their powerful drums and skillful lion dance captivated the audience of all ages, bringing an electrifying start to the festivities.

The collaborative spirit of the event was highlighted in the opening ceremony. “Today is not just about mooncakes and lanterns, but about sharing the stories and spirit of togetherness that this festival represents,” said Fan Yuan, President of the Mercer Island Chinese Association. “We are thrilled to partner with the City of Mercer Island to bring this beautiful cultural celebration to our entire community.”

That spirit of sharing was on full display throughout the day. The stage came alive with a colorful array of cultural dances, while activity halls buzzed with creativity at arts and crafts workshops like lantern painting, fan making, and hands-on mooncake making. For those seeking active fun, traditional games including ring tossing and jianzi kicking filled the air with laughter. A wide variety of specialty food, including an assortment of mooncakes, allowed everyone to savor the authentic tastes of the season.

Reflecting on the day’s profound sense of unity, Fan Yuan shared, “In a world that can sometimes feel divided, a day like this is a beautiful, powerful reminder of all that we share. We may come from different walks of life, but today, we are all here under the same sky, united by the same simple joys: family and friends, wonderful music and performances, great food, and shared laughter. This gathering reminds us that our common ground—our love for family, friends, and community, and our shared sense of belonging—is far greater than any differences we might have. That is the true spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival.”

The resounding success of this carnival is a testament to the power of community partnership. The organizers extend a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers, performers, sponsors, and attendees who made the day a memorable celebration of togetherness. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year!