Asian festival opens July 21

The grand opening of the two-day 9th Asian Food and Multicultural Festival will be held at the George Mason University (main campus) in Fairfax, Virginia at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 21.

The July 21-22 festival will have 35 Asian food vendors offering authentic cuisine; over 200 multicultural retail stores, where one can do early Christmas shopping; and one big stage featuring all-day traditional and modern Asian performances, Hip Hop Contest, and Speed Dating.

 "The festival is a two-day, free admission event to promote greater understanding of Asian countries and cultures," said event co-organizer George Duangmanee.

Asian ambassadors in the nation's capital will preside over the opening ceremonies. The festival's theme is the Year of the Dragon, sign of good fortune under the Chinese zodiac.

Asian embassies and organizations will display exhibits on their cultures, arts and crafts, and some will hold cooking demonstrations in "Destination Asia" booths. Image of China, Incredible India, Discover Korea, It's More Fun in the Philippines and Amazing Thailand are this year's main attractions.

The festival also features a tennis tournament, interactive demonstrations, and children interactive area. The Thai Tennis Organization in America (TTOA) will again partner with Singha Beer and the U.S. Tennis Association Virginia at this year's festival.

TTOA works with several Asian American associations to introduce Asian cultures to the local community. Through scholarships, it also aims to promote tennis growth and encourage young people to broaden their horizons. TTOA, a proud member of the USTA family, was the recipient of the 2004 Organization of the Year Award by USTA Mid-Atlantic section and the USTA Virginia District.

More than 100 local tennis players will compete in the men's and women's single and double tournament. The Charity Classic & Junior Level 5, a WTA Top 500 Designated Event, offers $5,000 in cash prize.

For more information, please contact George Duangmanee at info@asianfestivaldc.com, or Bing C. Branigin at bing@asianfestivaldc.com.

9th Asian Food and Tennis Festival

Location:   George Mason University (Main Campus)

4352 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax VA 22030; (Adjacent to George Mason Inn)

Date/Time: July 21, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

July 22, Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.