2007 Culture Fest Press Release

For Immediate Release
August 15, 2007

Contact: Laurel Eldridge, AEC Program Director
423.267.1218, LEldridge@ArtsEdCouncil.org

AEC Culture Fest 2007: A One-Day Trip Around the World

Chattanooga, TN (August 15, 2007) The Arts & Education Council (AEC) of Chattanooga announces a one-of-a-kind, one-day trip around the world at the
9th Annual AEC Culture Fest on Saturday, September 29, 2007, in Coolidge Park.

Sponsored by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, AEC Culture Fest 2007 promises to dazzle the senses with a wide range of participatory, educational and entertaining activities – all of which are free and open to the public.

From 11 AM to 8 PM, AEC Culture Fest offers international performances and demonstrations, delicious food, unique arts and crafts, a merchandise bazaar, and dozens of cultural booths and displays. The ArtQuest tent will feature children’s activities from 11 AM to 5 PM, and storytellers from around the globe will offer entertainment in the Storytelling Tent during the afternoon.

Festivities will kick off with a special celebration of the Coolidge Park Peace Grove, attended by the Mayors and other dignitaries from Chattanooga’s newest and oldest sister cities: Gangneung, South Korea, and Hamm, Germany. Initiated by Chattanooga Sister Cities, the Peace Grove replaces the fallen elm tree with seven trees, each representing Chattanooga’s sister cities. The City of Gangneung is also sponsoring a late afternoon performance by Shinsayimdang, a professional dance and drumming troupe from Korea.

Throughout the day, a wide variety of international and local performers will exhibit their talents on the River Stage, including the Mexican Folklore Ballet, India Association, Dandasha Dance Company, Chattanooga Traditional Dance Society, and Island Steel Pan Band.

The grand finale of the festival will be Andes Manta, a musical group from Ecuador who play over 35 traditional instruments, conveying the history and culture of the Andean people through their unique sound. The Thursday and Friday prior to Culture Fest, Andes Manta is giving a concert on the UTC campus and a concert and panpipe workshop at Battle Academy.

Culture Fest offers an exciting environment for learning and celebrating Chattanooga’s diversity. While browsing the interactive display area, participants can get a henna tattoo, write in Chinese, learn a yoga pose, or buy unique hand-crafted items. Participants are also invited to stop by the big world map, and see which countries are represented at this year’s festival.

Call 423-267-1218 for more information.

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