This annual sporting and multicultural event is held to celebrate the fifth moon (or the fifth month) of the lunar calendar. In addition to providing audiences with traditional Chinese foods and performances, the festival hosts dragon boat teams from across North America.

The colorful contestant boats have a dragon head at the front and dragon tail at the rear. Crew members — paddlers, drummer, steering person – power them through the water.

On the nearby shore, a stage hosts an all-day cultural program with live music by the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York, martial arts by New York Shaolin Temple, and tales by professional storyteller Jonathan Kruk. As this is New York State’s largest multi-cultural festival, the fun includes a Caribbean steel drum performance from the CASYM Steel Orchestra and other non-Asian presentations.

At other spots, sponsors and community-based organizations staff booths to provide giveaways and interact with the public. (Food trucks operate in lieu of the traditional international food court to respect safety norms.) Admission is free, and activities proceed from 9 am to 4 pm, rain or shine. (An opening ceremony is set for noon.)