THE 2006 LOTUS FESTIVAL
The 29th annual event celebrating Asian cultures, at Echo Park, July 8-9

LOS ANGELES – The 29th Lotus Festival, celebrating the people and cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands, was held on Saturday, July 8, 2006, from noon to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday, July 9, 2006, from noon to 8:00 p.m., around and on the lake at Echo Park, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility located near downtown.

Festival events included cultural entertainment on two stages, the International Marketplace featuring arts and crafts, and artisans and boutiques. There was also a variety of exotic foods and beverages, martial arts exhibitions, an art show, dragon boat races on the lake, and more.

The Philippines, which is marking its 100th anniversary of formalized immigration by Filipinos to the U.S., was the highlight nation for 2006. Saturday’s opening ceremony began at noon and included a ceremonial dragon dance, Filipino-American performers and a host of entertainers and dignitaries from Asian and Pacific Islander nations – with their color, beauty, and pageantry.
The two-day event also featured Flower Island, the Tea Garden, a children’s courtyard area and stage, a health fair, community outreach booths, and volunteer opportunities, and a fireworks show (on Saturday night) over the lake.

The Department of Recreation and Parks would like to thank everyone who was involved in this year's event and all of the wonderful L.A. residents who attended the 2006 Lotus Festival.


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712
Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711