City council proclaims Asian Pacific American Heritage Month / City briefs
Published 11:30 am Friday, May 21, 2021
At the May 18 Mercer Island City Council meeting, Mayor Benson Wong proclaimed May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in Mercer Island. The origin of this annual celebration dates back to the 95th Congress (1977-1978) when five joint resolutions were introduced proposing that a week in May be designated to commemorate the accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans. In March 1979, President Jimmy Carter first acted on this recommendation.
Almost 20% of Mercer Island’s population is considered Asian or Pacific Islander, according to Census Bureau data. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month acknowledges and celebrates the contributions made by Asian Pacific Americans in the arts, education and sciences and to Washington state’s economic, social and democratic institutions, and provides an opportunity to educate the public on this role.
* Farmers Market to return for 14th season
Mercer Island’s popular Farmers Market will return for its 14th season, at the customary location next to Mercerdale Park. It runs from 10 am to 3 pm every Sunday, with a continuous weekly schedule from June 6 through Sept. 26, and a special Harvest Market on Nov. 21. Live music is also back on the calendar this year.
Many Farmers Markets across the region were able to operate last summer with special coronavirus pandemic measures in place – this year, things should look closer to normal depending on King County’s COVID recovery status.
