January 2006

Date: Sunday, March 5, 2006
Times: 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Place: The James Rainwater Conference Center, Valdosta, GA

For more information, contact: Serena Huang at 229-242-0974 or e-mail: nahuang@valdostaasianfestival.com

The Valdosta Asian Cultural Association (VACA), in collaboration with the Valdosta State University's Center for International Programs, Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, the Azalea Festival Inc., Dance Arts Inc. and the Valdosta Daily Times, is presenting the South's 1st Annual International Folk Dance Competition on March 5, 2006 between 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at the James Rainwater Conference Center, Valdosta, GA.

The registration for the competition has begun. For details and registration form, visit the website at: www.valdostaasianfestival.com. For further inquiries, contact Serena Huang at 229-242-0974. Admission to view the competition show is free. 

"The program offers a unique opportunity for Southern communities to connect with and explore the world's rich cultural diversity through colorful folk dances," according to VACA Project Director, Serena Huang. "The contest becomes a lively platform where international talents showcase unique traditions and heritage," Huang expresses enthusiastically.

The Azalea Festival looks forward to this competition to help to kick-off "March - the Month of Azaleas" in Valdosta and Lowndes County. "We expect this new event to reflect the truly remarkable cultural diversity of the South," said Joanne Griner, the Founding Chair of the Azalea Festival. 

Grant Brown, the Chairman of 2006 Azalea Festival, feels "It is absolutely an exciting means to promote cross-cultural understanding in an energetic and entertaining way."

"This competition is a reflection of the dynamic culture of our country. The competition helps celebrate the openness and creativity which our society cherishes," VACA President Dr. Wilson Huang noted.

There is a $30 registration fee. A cash prize of $400 will be awarded to the 1st place winner, $200 to the 2nd place, $100 to the 3rd place and $50 to the 4th and 5th place winners.

Valdosta, well-known for her beauty and hospitality, looks forward to welcoming folk dancers from the local area, from Georgia and other states, as well as from countries around the world, to participate in the competition. 

The program is funded in part by kind support from Georgia Council for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly, Valdsota State University, Target, Sam's Club, Georgia Power and UPS, who feel arts and culture are important parts of our lives.