Annual Daikin America festival set for May 25

Published 2:00 pm Sunday, May 13, 2018

Officials with Daikin America recently announced the company’s annual festival is set for May 25 at the Morgan County Fairgrounds in Decatur.

The event runs from 6:30-9 p.m. and allows patrons to experience Japanese culture through live music, exhibits and Asian-inspired food. The festival has been an annual event for the past 24 years.

Admission is free.

The highlight of each festival is when Daikin employees take the stage with their Japanese Taiko Drums performance. Those who want to embrace the spirt are invited to wear a happi coat – a cloth jacket, usually containing an emblem, family crest or logo on the back.

Along with traditional festival food such as hot dogs, hamburgers and soft drinks, festivalgoers are treated to Cajun jambalaya, barbecue sandwiches and Japanese Yakisoba, a stir-fried mix of noodles, cabbage, carrots and beef. All food and drinks are free.

Festivalgoers also have the opportunity to learn more about Daikin America from various displays of product exhibits. Other displays include the Daikin Homestay Program, a program where area students and teachers travel to Japan for a 10-day stay in the homes of Daikin employees. Free tethered hot-air balloon rides are also available, weather permitting. The festivities conclude with a grand prize drawing for a free vacation at 8:45 p.m.

In addition to free parking around the fairgrounds, free round-trip shuttle service will be provided to the fairgrounds from Decatur Mall and Austin High School.