*Stories marked with an asterisk were written by experienced contributing editors with the goal of showing North Dakota's diversity.
On January 19, 2025, The United Chinese Americans Fargo-Moorhead (UCAFM) welcomed the Year of the Snake by opening its Chinese Spring Festival celebration to the public for the first time. This sold-out event, held at the Sanctuary Event Center and sponsored by North Dakota Council on the Arts, marked a significant milestone for the organization. By inviting the Fargo-Moorhead community to experience the richness of Chinese culture firsthand, UCAFM fostered a deeper appreciation for Chinese traditions and heritage.
The Chinese Spring Festival started with a pre-show featuring trivia games and kids’ performances. From cultural displays to trivia questions about the festival, the pre-show set the tone for an afternoon of cultural celebration. This was followed by a two-hour performance showcase curated to celebrate China’s diverse 56 ethnic groups.
Through a blend of classical and contemporary dances, spoken word, and musical presentations, performers transported the audience across China’s rich history of music and arts. A mesmerizing folk dance medley, celebrating the diverse traditions of Mongolia, Xinjiang, Dai, and Tibet through six beautifully choreographed dances, closed the performance showcase on a high note. Each performance served as a window into the lives, customs, and artistic expressions of China’s diverse ethnic heritage, underscoring the festival’s commitment to inclusivity and representation.
Following the performance showcase, guests gathered for a buffet of authentic Chinese cuisine where flavors from different regions of China took center stage. Delicacies like the roasted duck, Cantonese-style wings, and Sichuan-style stir-fried dishes delighted the senses, offering attendees a deeper appreciation for the role food plays in cultural identity and tradition.
Beyond artistic performances and culinary delights, the event resonated on a deeper level. For many in attendance, the Chinese Spring Festival was more than just a celebration - it’s community connection. The opportunity to publicly share cultural heritage fostered a sense of belonging among Fargo-Moorhead’s Chinese American community while also inviting the wider public to engage in meaningful cultural exchange. In a region where Asian American representation is growing, but remains relatively small, the festival highlighted the importance of spaces that affirm identity and belonging.
“Being away from where most of us first-generation [Chinese Americans] grew up and not being able to celebrate the New Year with our parents and relatives is hard,” said Annie Tangpong, UCAFM President. “Getting together with friends to celebrate this festival makes us feel the spirit of Chinese New Year. For Chinese Americans born and raised here, the celebration gives them the opportunity to experience the true spirit of this festivity and appreciate their Chinese heritage.”
The success of UCAFM’s first public Chinese Spring Festival reinforces a growing enthusiasm for cultural events in North Dakota. As the region continues to welcome its increasing diverse population, celebrations like this serve as a powerful reminder of the role cultural heritage plays in understanding others from cultures different from our own.
“We feel this year’s Spring Festival turned out well. There were many from the audience that are from outside the Chinese community. The ultimate purpose of hosting [the event] is for people to have a good time, and we believe the Spring Festival celebration reached that goal.” Tangpong said, “We are planning to open the Spring Festival to the public again next year.”.
As the Year of the Snake unfolds, UCAFM’s public Spring Festival leaves an impressive note; one of community, celebration, and the shared joy of storytelling through the arts and tradition.
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About the Author
Crista McCandless is a creative producer, culture bearer, and community organizer whose work centers on uplifting the voices, artistry, and cultural heritage of Asians and Asian Americans in North Dakota. Since moving to North Dakota in 2014, she champions spaces that foster connection, preserve traditional arts, and encourage cross-cultural exchange.
Crista is the co-founder of North Dakota Asian-American Arts and Cultural Initiative, a nonprofit organization that provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural exchange, and community connection through exhibitions, events, and educational programs.