The Asian Cultural Association (ACA) hosted its 701 Night Market in Larison Dining Hall this past Saturday evening on Oct. 18 from 7 to 9 p.m., drawing 287 attendees to enjoy a lively celebration of food, culture and community. The event featured free admission and food from ten student organizations, each representing cuisines and traditions from around the world.
Participating groups included the South Asian Student Association (SASA), Japan Society (JS), Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA), Black, African and Caribbean Student Association (BACSA), Global Student Council (GSC), Philippine Student Association (PSA), Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), Latine Alliance for Community and Opportunity for Students (LACOS), Southwest Asia and North Africa Club (SWANA) and the World Cooking Club. About 30 students tabled and served dishes ranging from savory snacks to sweet desserts, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Asia’s bustling night markets.
“The moment you step into 701 Night Market, it feels like you’re teleported straight into the vibrant night streets of Asia. It is a great event that makes our campus feel lively,” said Ellyn Ngo ’26, ACA executive board member.
The event took inspiration from the long-standing tradition of night markets across Asia, known for their colorful lights, crowded food stalls and the blending of culture, music and cuisine. ACA brought their version of the tradition to campus, turning Larison Dining into a lively and welcoming space that encouraged students to explore and celebrate different cultures.
This year’s night market also carried special significance. It was the first major event hosted by ACA since its formation through the merger of two previous student organizations, the Students for Asian Awareness at Bucknell (SAAB) and the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) club. The two groups combined at the start of the academic year to create a single, more unified organization representing Bucknell’s diverse Asian community. The merger aimed to strengthen collaboration, streamline programming and create a stronger collective identity among students who identify with or support Asian cultures.
The event concluded successfully, continuing the legacy of the 701 Night Market as one of Bucknell’s most popular cultural events. ACA plans to build on this momentum with more programs celebrating diversity and community in the future, as well as the Asian Gala which will be taking place next semester.
