Thai singer and performer Todd Tongdee flew from Thailand to perform at Wednesday's opening ceremony at Daley Plaza. He is scheduled to perform again each day of the festival.
Today through July 10 attendees can enjoy dance performances, Muy Thai boxing demonstrations, massages, shopping and fresh tropical fruits.
The festival is free of charge runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Workshops will be held each day from 1 to 3 p.m. demonstrating Thai fruit carving, painting and classical music. Thai games will be offered for children, while adults can enjoy the Singha Beer garden.
In addition, the Office of the Royal Thai Consulate General Chicago, the Thai Trade Center Chicago and the Tourism Authority of Thailand from New York will be there to answer any questions about Thailand.
The public will also have access to a Thai gallery featuring hand crafted pieces.
There will also be a Thai silk fashion show, featuring clothing from different time periods. Fashion designer Ya Ya Bondu created the clothing, which she said is the traditional clothing of the people who work in the hills of Thailand.
"It takes six months to make eight yards of fashion and everything is handmade," said Bondu.
Savory food selections will be dished out by Duck Walk, Star of Siam, My Thai, Manee Thai, Amarit, Tiparos and Thai Pavillion. Food prices range from $3 to $6.
"It's my first time having Thai food and I like it," said Charles Washington, who attended the festival. "There's always something going on in Daley Plaza."
For more information about the Chicago Thai Festival, please visit www.ThaiChicago.net.
