Korean harvest festival at Morning Star

Sometimes called the “Korean Thanksgiving,” Chusok is a harvest festival devoted to honoring family and feasting. The public is invited to join in a traditional celebration of the festival Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Morning Star Korean Cultural Center in Lynnwood.

Hosted by Korean Focus NW (KFNW), the event includes a traditional festive Korean dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by traditional Korean dancing, drumming, singing, storytelling, crafts and social time.

Open to Korean adoptive families, the adult adoptee and Korean-American communities, as well as any community members with an interest in Korea, KFNW’s mission is to offer support for families with children of Korean heritage, through social activities, educational programs and cultural celebrations. Members receive a quarterly newsletter “Mugunghwa” (the Korean name for the Rose of Sharon plant, the country’s national flower), regular news and event bulletins of interest, as well as reduced admission to events.

“We have seen a considerable increase in membership over the last year and the number of ongoing activities and connections are increasing as well,” Lauren Soliday, KFNW Board Chair and adoptive parent said. “It is a nice feeling to see a dream start to become a reality, adding value to people’s lives and especially to our young children. Our members appreciate having a resource like this for their younger aged adopted Korean children and especially that Korean Americans are welcomed and included in our events and membership.”

This year KFNW is encouraging members to sponsor a Korean student or friend at Chusok.

“There are many Korean exchange students both at local universities and high schools who may be interested in something like this, but may not have the resources to attend,” said Allie Fee, adoptive parent and member of the KFNW Board. “We’re hoping to connect our members with some of these students. It’s a lot of work, but worth the effort for everyone involved.”