The Festival Opens…
Under heat of the summer sun, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival opened today with big names in the Asian Pacific American community such as Senator Daniel Inouye and Congressman Mike Honda giving remarks about the roles and heritage of Asian Pacific Americans in U.S. history. Ambassador of Mexico to the U.S. Arturo Sarukhan was also there for remarks in kicking off the festival, with Mexico being one of the three themes this year.
“Guestbook” continues to be filled with names and messages, a witness to the diversity of visitors who have come, emphasizing the theme of the first day, Celebrating our Diversity.
Meanwhile, a crowd of visitors are over at the Tea House learning about soba noodling making from Aiko Ichimura and the de-boning of a whole chicken from Franklin Chow. Food remains a big draw and a unifying force in a diverse community.
Check out the Folklife Festival website for festival videos and live webcast of events!
Or, just make sure you come by any of the following days so you don’t miss more stuff!
And don’t forget to check out our Facebook page for more photos from this first day of the festival and follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day!
[…] all for attending the Festival. And if you didn’t get a chance to sign Foon Sham’s Guestbook sculpture, leave your mark in the skies […]