The Chinese Students and Scholars Association is putting on a festival to celebrate the legend of the Chinese goddess of the moon.

Steven Yang, sophomore English major from Thailand and vice president of CSSA, will be the emcee and will retell the legend to the attendees.

“This year there will be me recounting the story and origins of the festival,” Yang said. “Maybe we’ll also practice some Chinese with each other.”

There are different variations to the legend, which are usually centered around Chang’e’s sacrifice and, in the process, becoming the goddess of the moon. Her husband, a skilled archer, displayed cakes and gave sacrifices to her, thus creating the festival.

The Chinese Moon Festival is an ancient Chinese and Vietnamese tradition that is held in the fall and showcases a variety of foreign dishes, dancing and surprise performances.

This is the second time CSSA is having this event and will be the first one on campus.

“There was only food last year,” Yang said. “Since this is the first time on campus, we wanted to make it great.”

Last year’s festival was held off campus due to lack of available facilities.

Prentice Ashford, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, said he is relieved to be able to secure a location.

“We believe having the Moon Festival on campus will allow more students to experience the richness and beautiful traditions of this Chinese holiday,” Ashford said. “Fortunately we were able to secure the Hunter Welcome Center early enough.”

The Chinese Moon Festival will be in the Hunter Welcome Center on Friday from 6-8 p.m. The event is open to the public, but space is limited.

CSSA also has other events throughout the year including a Chinese New Year Festival in early February.