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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(valid through April 10, 2005)
CAMBODIAN-AMERICANS CELEBRATE CULTURAL NEW YEAR IN GRAND STYLE
ON APRIL 9, 2005
The year of the ROOSTER will
feature blessings by Buddhist Monks, traditional New
Year games, a Khmer Fashion Show and cultural dance
performances.
SAN JOSE, California. (March 10, 2005) – The
Cambodian-American community of Santa Clara County will
celebrate its 20th annual cultural New Year, the year of the
ROOSTER, on Saturday, April 9th, 2005 at the Scottish Rite
Center, 2455 Masonic Drive San Jose, California 95125 from 9:00
AM to midnight. Typically, the New Year’s celebration lasts for
three days, but we will be sponsoring this event for one
fun-filled day of excitement.
Last year, where the public was warmly
welcomed, thousands of people attended this holiday observance
featuring blessings by Buddhist monks, traditional new year’s
games, Cambodian fashion show, a Khmer remembrance Song, and
cultural dance performances.
This year the daylong community celebration
will begin at 9:00 AM with Buddhist monks in saffron robes
chanting and performing the New Year’s Blessing ceremony. The
blessing is followed by a display of traditional Cambodian games
for adults and children. These daytime festivities provide an
opportunity for everyone to participate in the rich cultural
heritage of the Khmer people who have made a new home in this
country .In addition, there will also be a host of vendors
displaying their arts and crafts and other Cambodian-related
products.
The evening cultural program begins at 5:30
PM and will feature several performances of Khmer classical
ballet and folk dance, classical and folk music, as well as
modern performances.
The morning and afternoon festivities are
free, however, contributions are requested at the door starting
at 4:30 PM and thereafter. There is no contribution requested
for children ages 9 and younger.
Most importantly, the celebration of "Khmer
New Year" is a symbol to remind us of our culture and heritage.
The Cambodian New Year Festival showcases the richness of
Cambodian life in our community. The treasured folk culture and
history of Cambodia delight the senses in colorful display of
art, music, and dance.
The cultural diversity in the Bay Area makes
it one of the best places to live in the world.
Cambodian-Americans are certainly significant pieces of that
cultural tapestry. The preservation of the Cambodian culture is,
therefore, vital. It is paramount not only to the collective
community, but also to the Cambodian community, and the
individual Cambodians themselves.
This is a time for joy, unity and friendship
for the whole community and we would like to wish you a peaceful
new year. Let's hope that next year will bring us a step closer
to where we wanted to be and what we wished to achieve. This
event will not be successful without the help of volunteers and
sponsors. For sponsorship packages and/or booth information
contact: Phillip Lim at
 . The deadline for the booth
application is April 5, 2005.
Committee
in General
Channary Bill - Chairperson , Perom Uch - Co-Chairperson,
Nithya Nine - Secretary General, Phillip Lim - Treasurer,
Kelvin So, Layso Lor, Norind Su, Someth Lor, Bodavid Kas, Chamroeun Yean, Davy Chea, Sinoun Buth, Keo Yim, Franliny Khuon, Van Chek,
Chanthoeun To, and More...
Participating
Groups
serving the Cambodian community lend resources and
volunteers to organize the 18th annual Cambodian New
Year Celebration, including: The San Jose Cambodian Buddhist Society, Inc.| Cambodian American Resources Agency
| Santa Clara County Cambodian Women's Association | Cambodian School
| Cambodian Cultural Dance Group
| Apsara San Jose Dance Company | Active Community Members.
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Media Contact:
Chanthoeun To
Tel: (408) 239-6296
Perom Uch
408-515-5270
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