The City of Bloomington partnered with Normandale Community College and the Friends of the Japanese Garden Foundation to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the Bloomington Japanese Gardens.

The celebration featured cultural booths representing different AANHPI cultures, allowing community members to share their heritage with neighbors and friends. The event grew from a successful Asian cultural welcome meal held in September, where different community members hosted tables representing various cultures.

The collaboration began when students from Normandale's Asian Culture Club attended the September event and expressed interest in hosting something similar on their campus. Dr. Ester, a college administrator, connected the students with the Friends of the Japanese Garden Foundation and city officials to make the celebration possible.

Amanda, an event organizer, emphasized the city's goal of creating ripple effects through community events. She noted that Normandale's diverse student and faculty population made it an ideal backdrop for celebrating different cultures and diversity.

The Japanese Gardens, which has existed nearly as long as the college, provided a meaningful venue that brings Japanese culture to Minnesota while offering peace, contemplation and inspiration to both students and the broader community.