AsiaFest Austin 2008 to Kick Off Celebration of National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in Austin, Texas

Austin, TX, May 01, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Come and join the celebration of National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at AsiaFest Austin 2008 on May 3, 2008 with fun, food and entertainment.

The event will be held from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm at the future home of Austin Asian American Resource Center at 8401, Cameron Road, Austin, TX 78754.

AsiaFest Austin 2008, hosted by the Network of Asian American Organizations (NAAO) with the support of City of Austin, Austin Parks & Recreation Department, and Capital Metro, is part of the National Asian Pacific American Heritage month.

Admission to Asia Fest Austin 2008 is Free.

AsiaFest Austin 2008 will have a number of activities, including:

Cultural Activities - Live music, dance and cultural performances, and a mini Asian Film Festival showcasing a variety of Asian cultures.
Educational Activities – Workshops and instruction on Asian arts & crafts (face painting, henna, origami, etc.); and basic Asian language skills (learn 20 common words and phrases).
Children’s Activities – Sudoku contests; games; and Reading corner.
Food - Pan-Asian Cuisine featuring traditional Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other Asian dishes.

As a part of the AsiaFest Austin celebrations, NAAO will recognize and honor the contributions of individuals, community organizations and businesses to the Greater Austin community.

NAAO will also award scholarships to Asian American students to pursue higher education. The winners of these scholarships (a high school student and a college student) will also be recognized at AsiaFest Austin.

The national celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage began in 1979 when President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution declaring May 4-10 as the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. In 1990, President George W. Bush expanded the celebration from one week to the entire month of May. In 1992, Congress passed Public Law 102-450 that designated May of each year as “Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.”

For more information contact:
Susan Fifer, Chairperson, NAAO (512-835-6697)
Troy Wong, Vice President, NAAO (512-656-1150)
Venkat Voruganti, Secretary, NAAO (512-243-7565)

###