The Orleans plans to host debut Asian Food Festival

Festival season is well under way, but there is one that Las Vegas hasn't seen the likes of yet.

The Asian Food Festival and Trade Show is scheduled to debut Saturday and Sunday at The Orleans, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. The two-day spectacular aims to promote a greater understanding of Asian cultures in a city that hosts many people from that part of the world.

"The Asian population is large here, but there's no real representation of their culture in a one-event showcase for everyone," said Max Miller-Hooks, chair of the event's entertainment. "The need for the Asian community to come here and play in the casinos is strong, so we should also show that community that we honor and respect their culture."

The event will feature food, entertainment and vendor booths from eight of the Asian nations: China, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, India and the Polynesian Islands. Organizers anticipate 20,000 people to attend on each day of the event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. With so many countries being represented at the festival, executive project chair Noel Casimiro promises that the event will not be short on culture.

"We want to make sure people experience the Asian culture from the time they walk into the event -- from the stage to the VIP area, everything will be all-out Asian orient," he said. "What we hope is to promote the greater understanding of the Asian countries to the general public and also to share the culture and the culinary arts from Asia as well."

Aside from the traditional performances of Polynesian dancers to the Japanese Taiko drums, headliners also include local Las Vegas performers.

Zowie Bowie, a singing duo featuring Top 40 and classics; Stevie B, known as the king of freestyle dance music; and Frankie Moreno, a pop-rock singer, will take center stage at the event.

Bailrok, a 10-year-old hip-hop dancer from "America's Got Talent," and YouTube sensation Erika David also are scheduled to perform.

The variety of entertainment will allow the Las Vegas community to see a little of each other's style -- whether it be from America or Asia, Miller-Hooks said.

"It's about coming together," he said.

Performers will be on stage from the moment the event starts until it ends with a dance party in front of the stage, Casimiro said.

Carnival rides and vendors featuring homemade crafts and other products will be set up throughout the trade show floor.

The food will surely have something for everyone -- featuring dozens of dishes from each of the Asian nations, Casimiro said, noting that many Asian dishes are now considered mainstream.

"I think the event is long-awaited," Casimiro said. "People keep saying to me, 'Wow, it's about time.' "