A touch of Thai at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens

The Thai community in Madison celebrated its biennial Thai Fest at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens at the end of September. Invited by the local community, the Thai Cultural and Fine Arts Institute of Chicago served a cultural feast through traditional Thai dances, instrumental performances and martial arts. Despite the unpredictable weather, the event had a good turn out. While appreciating the show, the audience mingled around, chatting with Thai people and enjoying authentic Thai cuisine provided by the Madison-based Thai restaurant Sa-Bai Thong. All photos by Na Chen. 

The event venue was the Pavilion in the Thai Garden in the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The Pavilion was built originally in Thailand and assembled later in Madison and suited well the cultural theme.

The UW-Madison Thai Student Association showcased elaborate handmade bamboo bracelets.

Talented girls played Khim, a Thai string instrument in the Pavilion. Khim has become a dying art as it requires years of training and dedication.

Girls stepped down from the stage and performed a Lotus Dance.

The pool surrounding the pavilion reflected children dancing on the stage.

The event attracted local people of all ages to learn more about Thai culture.

People ordered food during the lunchtime. The local Thai restaurant served a variety of classic Thai food and beverages, such as Pad Thai and Thai iced tea.