A Cultural Destination

Asia Pacific Cultural Center welcomes the community to the annual Polynesian Luau – a virtual event

By Jillian Chandler

The Asia Pacific Cultural Center has been serving the Tacoma community and beyond since 1996. Though housed in Tacoma, the cultural center serves statewide and is recognized both nationally and internationally.

APCC prides itself in representing more than 47 countries and cultures of the Asia Pacific Rim, where more than 100 languages and dialects are spoken, with the arts and cultures of these people offering unique diversity, history, traditions and spirit. The Tacoma-based center is the one place where immigrant and non-immigrant communities can come together in celebration, education and exchange.

August 29 will mark Asia Pacific Cultural Center’s 23rd Annual Polynesian Luau. In years past, the luau has provided a fun-filled afternoon event for the entire family, with cultural dances representing various islands; a delicious Island menu of roasted pig, Hawaiian macaroni, sapasui, banana poi, panipopo, steamed rice, teriyaki chicken and fresh island fruits; cultural booths from the different islands; Island desserts for tasting; and live music!

This year, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the event has gone virtual, but it will still offer a wonderful experience for all of those who would like to join in the festivities via Facebook Live or YouTube from the comfort of their own homes—and don’t forget to come prepared with an island cocktail in hand. The event is free, but those who would like to donate to support the APCC programs are encouraged to do so. (Text the code APCCLUAU to 44-321 to donate or donate online at Bit.ly/APCCLuauDonate.)

According to Faaluaina Pritchard, Asia Pacific Cultural Center’s executive director, the live stream event will be held 6 to 7:30pm and will include authentic entertainment, including cultural music and dances from the islands of Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa and Guam; fire knife dances (win an Alaska Airline ticket voucher) and raffles for great prizes!

To read more about Asia Pacific Cultural Center, visit AsiaPacificCulturalCenter.org. For the Polynesian Luau live stream on Facebook, log onto Facebook.com/AsiaPacificCulturalCenter or Bit.ly/APCCYouTube on Saturday, August 29, at 6pm.