Music and bright posters led students into the Newcomb Hall ballroom Saturday, as the Chinese Student Association's Chinafest got underway.
The event filled the building's South Meeting Room with food, but the main attraction was in the ballroom.
Third-year College student Selma Du, who helped to publicize Chinafest, did a Yo-Yo performance for the event.
Du said that both modern and traditional Chinese dances were performed as well as a reoccurring skit that ran throughout the show.
Chinafest, however, was not just a big show -- spectators were encouraged to play an active role.
Du said there was a lot to for students to do.
"We had exhibits that sold T-shirts and bubble tea," Du said. "We had free food for those who attended and for those who performed."
Second-year College student Curran Jhanjee said he commended ChinaFest's planners and participants for the environment they created.
"There was a lot of music, and it was a pleasant environment," Jhanjee said. "They really set it up so that everyone felt welcome."
Jhanjee said that one of his favorite parts of the event was the food. He said he had dumplings, orange chicken, spicy chicken, garlic chicken with vegetables, white rice and fortune cookies on his plate.
University students were not the only performers or participants involved with Chinafest. Du said that the Piedmont Chinese Association also attended the celebration.
"They came in, and the little kids performed," Du said.
Du said the PCA comes to Chinafest every year in addition to participating in the Chinese New Year celebration.
With both University students and members of the surrounding community present, Chinafest attracted a large gathering. Du said she was unsure of the exact attendance number, but said that the ballroom was filled to capacity.
Jhanjee said he also noticed the large number of people at the event.
"It was packed," Jhanjee said. "People were standing outside and looking through the doors."
Du said she thought Chinafest was a success.
Jhanjee said he agreed, but that he only wanted one more thing -- "a bigger helping of food."
Jhanjee said he plans to attend Chinafest again next year.
"I've already marked it on my calendar," he said.
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