Waterloo Region Museum

WATERLOO REGION MUSEUM

Proposal to hold a Cultural Food Gala celebrating Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

Tracy Chen, Coordinator

Waterloo Region Museum

March 24, 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………1

Background………………………………………………………………………………….1

Proposal………………………………………………………………………………………2

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………...3

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this report is to propose a three-day Cultural Food Gala to celebrate Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival in Waterloo Region Museum. The event aims to create an opportunity for local residents to learn and experience Chinese culture, hopefully to promote a better relationship between them and attract more visitors to our museum accordingly.

BACKGROUND

According to the 2011 National Household Survey, around 25% of the population in Waterloo region is foreign-born, and people from China occupy the largest portion. (CBC News, May 08, 2013) Through years, Chinese people’s customs and way of life have exerted great influence on local society, and Canadian residents are becoming more interested in and willing to learn their neighbors’ culture, and it is especially necessary for the kids to have a better understanding of another culture to broaden their minds. Therefore, holding a Culture Food Gala to celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival will be very appealing to local citizens and parents in KW region.

Mid-Autumn festival is the second most important holiday after Spring Festival to Chinese people, which has a history of over 3,000 years. (China Highlights) Just like Thanksgiving to western people, Mid-Autumn is also a great time for appreciation and family reunion to Chinese people, who believe that the full moon symbolize the peace, prosperity and happiness. On that day, Chinese people will eat mooncakes and make Mid-autumn Lanterns.

PROPOSAL

The Culture Food Gala will be host on Sep 20, 2015 (Mid-Autumn Festival) on our Doon Heritage Village, last for three days to Sep 22, 2015, with the theme of “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival and Taste Asia”. We will decorate the exhibition hall with traditional Chinese paintings, couplets and lanterns, in order to create a colorful and joyful atmosphere. There will be various activities for visitors to learn and experience Chinese culture: