San Gabriel Valley Tribune Published Date: Sunday, February 1st, 1998 Author: Dan Lee Attractions of the Asian American Expo Pomona – Martial arts demonstrations, ethnic food, music and consumer goods were among the attractions Saturday at the 12th Annual Asian American Expo ’98 at the Fairplex, billed as the largest Chinese New Year celebration in the United States. Despite threatening skies and a few sprinkles of rain, the two-day event, which is sponsored by the El Monte-based publisher of the Chinese Internet Yellow Pages, drew thousands of curious spectators and families to the fairgrounds. Huntington Beach resident Shou Liu said he and his family have made the expo an annual outing in celebration of the New Year. But the event also offers some good shopping opportunities, he said. “Every year, you can see what’s new,” Liu said. Expo organizers from the Chinese Overseas Marketing Service Corp. – hoped the more than 800 exhibitors and 50 stage performances would attract at least 100,000 visitors between Saturday and today. Show Manager Susan Lim said everything had gone as well as organizers could expect Saturday. “Most importantly, the weather is cooperating with us,” Lim said. Since most of the activities are in four exhibition halls, no special precautions were taken in case of rain, she said. A few activities, such as elephant rides and an auction were being held outside, she added. Within the exhibition halls, taiko drummers, ballet dancers, and martial arts students entertained onlookers. Around them, vendors in booths advertised or sold everything from beauty products and legal services to cellular phone services and jewelry. "I can spend four to five hours here",said Rowland Heights resident Charles Kao, remarking on the wide variety of booths and entertainment.