Saigon Cafe Spotlight
Article & Video Release Date: 7/18/2024
What is the origin & purpose of the festival?
The purpose of the Red Lantern Festival was to bring the community of Saint Louis together in the heart of the Central West End to celebrate Asian culture through food and entertainment.
What has been the reception and feedback from previous years?
The feedback has been absolutely incredible! People loved the festival and wanted more. The community came out in full support, enjoying the festivities and having a lot of fun.
Reason for Hosting in the Central West End (CWE)
We chose to host the festival in the CWE to showcase this vibrant part of town and bring excitement to South Euclid. Saigon Cafe, being the longest-standing establishment in the area, plays a pivotal role in making the CWE a go-to destination for a night out.
What is Saigon Cafe's History and Role in the Festival
Saigon Cafe has a long history in South Euclid, being the longest-running establishment in the neighborhood. We owe our success to the support of our neighbors and wanted to give back to the community by organizing a fun and entertaining event. As a central hub for Asian vendors across Saint Louis, we are delighted to showcase their offerings at the festival!
What kind of visitors do you expect?
All visitors are welcome, but our closest neighbors include students from Washington University and supporters from various counties. We've also seen attendees from across the bridge in Illinois, as well as from Saint Charles and O'Fallon.
How long Saigon Cafe has been open?
Little Saigon has been open for 23 years!
How did the Red Lantern City Festival start?
The Red Lantern Market started to help the Japan American Society raise money during COVID. We worked with Asian-owned businesses and got a lot of community support to create a great night market. Over time, we included more Asian communities to be more inclusive and celebrate their cultures. The market showcases real Asian experiences with products, delicious food, great drinks and fun activities like kung fu demonstrations, calligraphy, taiko drums, photo booths and etc. that visitors love. It's a place where people can dive into Asian heritage & support the Asian community.