Why sumo wrestlers are a 'big draw' at Morton Arboretum festival

Try not to smile when a sumo wrestler steps into the ring this weekend at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

Sounds easy enough. Sumo wrestling is a serious sport, and these are serious athletes. What's so funny about that?

But smiling is contagious, and when a 600-pound sumo wrestler gets the giggles, even the most steely-faced observer will flash a grin wider than the Cheshire cat.

Turns out these giants of Japanese martial art have a silly side when they invite pint-size competitors into the ring.

"That is definitely a big draw," says Gina Steele, the arboretum's special events coordinator.

Visitors will get the chance to see USA Sumo champions give demonstrations -- and let kids try some basic techniques -- during the two-day Destination Asia Festival opening Saturday near the arboretum's Visitor Center.

The third-annual event, of course, offers more than just laughs.

The festival is a deep dive into Asian culture through food, music, art, dance and other performances.

"It's definitely one of those don't-miss events," Steele said.

Indeed, the festival is expected to draw 12,000 to 14,000 people over its two-day run. The outdoor museum began hosting the celebration three years ago to draw attention to its Asian tree collections. Some of the first species were planted in 1922, the same year the grounds became a public arboretum.

"It all goes back to day one," Steele said.

With that botanical history in mind, the festival will showcase Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arranging. The Glen Ellyn-based Prairie State Bonsai Society also will bring its annual show -- green thumbs can vote for their favorite display -- to the arboretum's Sycamore Room from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days of the festival.

And because you can't experience Asian culture without the cuisine, two food trucks will roll up to the arboretum around 11 a.m., along with a third vendor, Sweet Station. The Yum Dum Truck's menu features steamed dumplings, while the Bop Bar truck highlights Korean flavors.

Then, if you're feeling more stuffed than a dumpling, try cricket or badminton or poses taught by Aviana Aerial Yoga instructors.

The sumo wrestlers, meanwhile, won't be competing in an intense match. But they do challenge spectators to try to topple them out of the ring, Steele said.

"Everyone wants to take a picture with a sumo wrestler," she said.