Visiting the Asian American Expo at the Pomona Fairplex last weekend was an experience much like attending the LA County Fair, but with a lot more grilled squid and phenomenally better people-watching potential. This year’s festival was the biggest to date, with over forty-five performers over the two days, nearly two hundred food vendors, and 1,200 convention booths spread over six exhibition halls and seven performance stages.
We spent most of our time at the exhibition hall where the cosplay and anime people were, marveling at the imaginative and precisely detailed outfits on display. Performances by taiko drummers and traditional Thai dancers mixed with samba, flamenco, rock and hip-hop acts. Anyone who appreciates good food and gonzo creative types gathered in one place certainly went home satisfied. (Bob Lee)
Continue reading to view our photo gallery from the event.