May 24, 2016 - (Cedar Rapids, IA) Experience the flair, fusion and flavors of Asia in Eastern Iowa at the Third Annual AsianFest 2016, sponsored by Transamerica®! The festival will take place on Saturday, June 11, 2016, in downtown Cedar Rapids at the McGrath Amphitheater from 2 p.m.-10 p.m. This unique festival is fun for all ages and there’s no cost to attend.
Join Jenny Valliere, the festival’s emcee and popular radio personality, and enjoy live cultural performances that will be showcased throughout the day from Bollywood dancing, Filipino performances, to cultural demonstrations. Delight in an array of mouthwatering Asian cuisine as vendors cook up their country’s famous dishes. Visit interactive villages and learn about the colorful and exotic traditions, language, clothing and activities of various Asian countries.
The festival lineup also includes a free interactive Kids Zone from 2 p.m.-7 p.m., as well as a high-energy International Dance Party by the River with Pri yon Joni & DJ Raj from 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
According to the State Data Center of Iowa and the Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, 72.8% reflects the “percent change in the Asian population from 2003 to 2013 — this is a 26,656 increase for the period.”
“The core purpose of AsianFest is to increase awareness of the diverse growing Asian cultures, create a sense of community/engagement and enhance the quality of life. These factors contribute to the retention of a talented workforce which positively impacts our corporate partners in Eastern Iowa,” said Sarika Bhakta, member of the Executive Leadership of AsianFest 2016.
“Our commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond our own workforce to include the communities across the nation where we live, work and serve customers. Here in Cedar Rapids, we’re honored to be the presenting sponsor of AsianFest, as we join our community in celebrating and embracing the rich diversity of Asian cultures,” said Jody McKowen, Transamerica’s Chief Human Resources Officer.
Opportunities to be part of AsianFest 2016 are still available. Individuals/groups interested in performing Asian dances, singing and/or demonstrations, and/or to volunteer please visit www.asianfest.org.
In addition to Transamerica as the presenting sponsor, AsianFest 2016 is also proud of the following sponsors for helping make this festival possible and enhancing the quality of life in Iowa’s Creative Corridor: Alliant Energy/IPL, Bankers Trust Company, Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission, GreatAmerica Financial Services Corporation, KCRG-TV9 Show You Care (Dave Wright Subaru, Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, Mercy Medical Center, University of Iowa Community Credit Union ), Nordstrom, Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Rockwell Collins, U.S. Bank, and Veridian Credit Union.
About AsianFest
The mission of AsianFest is to cultivate, promote and advocate Asian cultures and perspectives in order to enhance the diverse quality of life that is increasingly flourishing here in Eastern Iowa and throughout the Midwest. AsianFest is in partnership with Iowa Asian Alliance who is the event’s fiscal sponsor. (Sarika Bhakta)
About Transamerica
With a history that dates back more than 100 years, the Transamerica companies are recognized as leading providers of life insurance, savings and retirement and investment solutions, serving millions of customers throughout the United States.
Transamerica works to Transform Tomorrow® for those who entrust its dedicated professionals with their financial needs, helping them take the necessary steps to achieve their long-term goals and aspirations. Transamerica’s 10,000 employees serve nearly every customer segment, providing a broad range of quality life insurance and savings products, individual and group pension plans, as well as asset management services. In 2015, Transamerica fulfilled its promises to customers, paying more than $6.9 billion in benefit claims, including return of premiums paid.
Transamerica’s corporate headquarters is located in Baltimore, Maryland, with other major operations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Transamerica is part of the Aegon group of companies. Aegon is one of the world’s largest providers of life insurance, pension solutions and asset management products, operating in over 20 markets worldwide. For the full year of 2015, Aegon managed $768 billion in revenue generating investments.
For more information, please visit Transamerica.com. (Margaret Sherry)
