Celebrate the Moon Festival Friday with PAAC

China, Vietnam and many Americans who trace their heritage to those countries celebrate the annual Moon Festival Sunday, Sept. 30. Locally, the Piedmont Asian American Club (PAAC) invites the community to a Mid-Autumn Moon Festival celebration Friday, Oct. 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Ellen Driscoll Playhouse, Havens Elementary School, 325 Highland Ave.

Festivities will include arts and crafts, moon cake tasting, a parade and a talk by astronomy enthusiast Mike Dorward. All pre-registered children will receive a free traditional Chinese lantern.

The cost is $8 per person for PAAC members, $12 for non-members and at the door. RSVP to Mary Geong, mmgeong@aol.com or (510) 654-4417, with the names of adults and children attending. Checks made payable to “PAAC” should be sent to 1415 Grand Ave., Piedmont, CA 94610 and be received by Oct. 3.

The holiday dates back more than 3,000 years to China's Zhou Dynasty. According to PAAC, it marks the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, when the moon is at its maximum brightness for the entire year.

Don't miss a day of Piedmont news, opinion and events. Sign up for the Piedmont Patch e-newsletter here.