International Children's Festival Returns to Hampton, Virginia, April 18, 2009

This April 18, 2009, bring the entire family to the International Children's Festival (http://www.hampton.gov/parks/icf), taking place from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Mill Point Park in downtown Hampton, Virginia.

Hampton, VA (Vocus) January 7, 2009 -- This April 18, 2009, bring the entire family to the International Children's Festival (www.hampton.gov/parks/icf), taking place from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Mill Point Park in downtown Hampton, Virginia. Featuring over 30 countries, this highly popular event allows a unique opportunity for children of all ages to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of cultures from across the globe.

A wealth of exciting activities are planned for this year's program on two stages, including a costumed Parade of Nations featuring a breathtaking array of exquisite fabrics, bold colors, and exciting designs. Entertainment highlights will include the popular Dragon Head Dance, Busch Gardens Animal Show, native folk dancers, and strolling musicians.

To help children further stimulate real travel and enhance their worldwide journey, Passports to Adventure are available FREE courtesy of Busch Gardens Williamsburg. As the children visit each country, they will have their visas stamped to confirm their interaction with the organizers of each booth. If they visit every country at the festival, the child will then be entered into a special "World Traveler" prize drawing, with winners receiving a family four-pack to Busch Garden Williamsburg every hour during the festival.

Select countries will also be selling native cuisine at this year's event, providing exotic and tempting treats from Germany, Turkey, Italy, Japan, and more. The designated food court area will remain open until the conclusion of the festival.

Sponsors for this year's festival include Hampton Unity Commission, Hampton Coalition for Youth, Hampton City Schools, WHRO and returning this year our presenting sponsor Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

For more information on the 2009 International Children's Festival, call 757-727-8311 or check out www.hampton.gov/parks/icf. Admission to the festival is free and ample parking is available in throughout downtown.

Partially bordered by the Hampton Roads harbor and Chesapeake Bay, Hampton, with the new 344,000 sq. ft. Hampton Roads Convention Center, is located in the center of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. Hampton is the site of America's first continuous English-speaking settlement and is home to such visitor attractions as the Virginia Air & Space Center and Riverside IMAX ® Theater, the Cousteau Society, Hampton History Museum, harbor tours and cruises, Hampton University Museum, Fort Monroe, award-winning Hampton Coliseum, The American Theatre, among others. Hampton was twice-named All-America City, the nation's oldest and most prominent community recognition award.

2009 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL

Participating Countries

Brazil; Caribbean Islands; Colombia; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Egypt; England; France; Germany; Greece; Iceland; India; Ireland; Israel; Italy; Japan; Korea; Lebanon; Mexico; Norway; Panama; People's Republic of China; Philippines; Russia; Saudi Arabia; Scotland; Spain; Taiwan Republic of China; Thailand; Turkey; USA; Native Americans

Contact:

Ryan LaFata, 757/728-5328

Cyndi Masterstaff, 757/727-8314

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