8-24-2022 6:53pm

CHINESE MID-AUTUMN LANTERN FESTIVAL SET FOR SEPT. 10-18 AT BRIDGEWATER COMMONS

Donnella Tilery Editor

Bridgewater Commons, the more than 1.2 million square foot shopping, dining and entertainment center in Somerset County, will celebrate Chinese culture from Sept. 10 - 18 by hosting the Chinese Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival, a traditional folk celebration of light presented by the Center for Cultural & Creative Exchange, an N.J. non-profit that spreads Eastern Asian Culture through creative shows, exhibitions, and performances.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, a Chinese harvest festival held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, celebrates the moon, the importance of the sun, and successful harvests. In Chinese culture a full moon symbolizes reunion so that individuals reunite with their families for celebrations.

Featuring a glorious display of 20 illuminated, handmade Chinese lanterns up to 10 feet high throughout the center’s first two levels, live dance performances in Center Court and lantern making workshops at Community Hub on Main Level will round out the week-long happening. Event schedule follows:

Chinese Dance Performances in Center Court: Sept. 10, 2 -3 pm and Sept. 18, 2 - 3 pm – traditional music and dance along with a display of Chinese fashion.
Chinese Lantern Displays on Levels 1 and 2: Sept. 10 - 18 - various forms of traditional lanterns from animals to dragons illuminate the common areas.
Lantern Making Workshops at Community Hub: Sept. 10, 11, 17 and 18, 1 - 5pm –workshops are free to attend and lantern making kits can be purchased for $5 of which will be donated to the organization.

Bridgewater Commons is located along I-287 at the intersections of Route 22 and Route 202/206 in Somerset County, N.J. Visit www.bridgewatercommons.com to learn more.