The sound of Chinese drums and the shimmer of colorful hanfu dresses filled Veterans Memorial Park in Otisville on Saturday as families gathered for the Chinese Renaissance Festival — a celebration of culture, community, and the beauty of traditional Chinese heritage.
Organized by the Mount Hope Chinese Association, the festival ran from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, and featured traditional dance and music, calligraphy and art displays, Chinese architecture exhibits, cultural performances, and authentic food. Supported by the Town of Mount Hope and Village of Otisville, it drew a steady crowd of local residents eager to experience the richness of Chinese tradition in a friendly, open-air setting.
Sharing true Chinese culture
“We have a growing population of Chinese origin here, and we want to share the best of our traditional culture,” said Mela Wu, the organizer from the Mount Hope Chinese Association. “When people learn about our culture through clothing, food, dance, or art, they really feel the purity, the energy, and the kindness of the Chinese people. It helps dispel misunderstandings and brings people together.”
Mela Wu explained that the festival reflects the association’s mission of returning to traditional ways of life by highlighting the daily arts of living — from traditional music and dance to architecture, painting, and cuisine. “This festival is a glimpse of what true Chinese culture is — peaceful, elegant, and filled with meaning,” she said.
Despite the effort behind the scenes, Mela spoke with pride about her volunteers and team. “It looks like a small event, but it takes a lot — promotion, setup, road signs, even parking coordination. Every year we learn and improve, and I’m so touched by how our team works so hard to make it happen.”
Town officials praise cultural exchange
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Among those attending was Paul Rickard, Town Supervisor for Mount Hope, who said events like this strengthen the community.
“When we share and understand each other as neighbors, the whole community becomes stronger,” Rickard said. “This festival is a wonderful way to promote inclusivity, respect, and understanding. Even if we don’t agree on everything, we can sit down, talk, and appreciate each other through food, music, and the arts.”
He added that cultural events also have economic benefits, drawing visitors to local shops and restaurants while educating residents about different heritages.
Brian Carey, Mayor of Otisville, shared a similar view: “I think it’s great that so many local people came out to try the food, watch the performances, and learn,” he said. “We’ve been meeting with the Mount Hope Chinese Association for three years, and events like this really help our communities connect.”
Carey also noted that the town and village now collaborate more closely, with his wife, Keri-Lee, serving as deputy supervisor under Rickard. “Working together has brought the town and village closer — and that’s made events like this possible,” he said.
Sponsors support arts and community
Corporate and local sponsors played a vital role in making the festival possible. Angela Ryan from Resorts World New York said her organization has supported Mount Hope Chinese Association events for three years.
“Each year, the festival gets better and better,” Ryan said. “It’s wonderful to see how the community embraces the culture. Supporting arts and culture is one of our key values, and this event really brings people together.”
At the vendor booths, visitors could find handmade crafts, traditional clothing, and messages of virtue and hope. Grace, a Shen Yun dancer representing a cultural apparel vendor, explained that their products promote timeless Chinese values.
“Our designs feature the words TRUTHFULNESS, COMPASSION, and TOLERANCE,” she said. “These are core virtues of traditional Chinese culture — values that everyone can live by. Through our dancewear and shirts, we want to share the goodness and beauty of these principles with the world.”
Grace said that for her, the festival also represents something deeper. “The traditional values of China were nearly lost under communist rule,” she said. “We want to bring them back and let people see what true Chinese culture looks like — kind, spiritual, and full of virtue.”
Local families enjoy learning and connection
Local residents also shared their excitement. Maria, who came with her daughter Doris, said the event was “a feast for the eyes.”
“The colors, the music, the fashion show — everything was beautiful,” she said. “We learned about the dynasties and traditions, and it’s great for the community. It helps everyone experience different cultures and come together.”
Throughout the afternoon, children played by the stage while parents enjoyed dumplings and noodles under the autumn sun. Performances ranged from classical Chinese dance to martial arts demonstrations, while artists displayed brush paintings and traditional handicrafts.
Reviving tradition, inspiring compassion
For organizer Mela Wu, the festival is about more than entertainment. “The essence of traditional Chinese culture is compassion,” she said. “It’s about supporting your neighbors and being kind to each other. When people come here, they feel that positive energy — and they take it with them. That’s how we build a better community.”
As music echoed through the park and the crowd lingered into the afternoon, the message of unity and mutual respect was clear. The Chinese Renaissance Festival not only celebrated the beauty of ancient traditions but also reflected the spirit of modern-day Orange County — diverse, welcoming, and full of heart.
