Fort Collins to Host Peace Corps Reunion Weekend -- Includes Second-Ever Performance of the Symphony for 1,000 Drums

Hundreds of former Peace Corps volunteers from around the country are expected in Fort Collins, Colorado, just ahead of the Democratic National Convention this summer, for a reunion and party celebrating the organization's contributions.

Fort Collins, CO (PRWEB) June 2, 2008 -- Hundreds of former Peace Corps volunteers from around the country are expected in Fort Collins, Colorado, just ahead of the Democratic National Convention this summer, for a reunion and party celebrating the organization's contributions.

Festivities begin Friday Aug. 22 and continue throughout the weekend, with dialog, music, food and country-by-country reunions. A Concert for Peace will cap the festivities Sunday afternoon.

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, or RPCVs, are encouraged to sign up early by logging on to http://beetstreet.org/Peace-Corps-Reunion or calling (970) 419-8240. The public is also welcome to attend events throughout the weekend, so long as they register and purchase a ticket.

Three days of events include speeches by prominent RPCVs, the Symphony for 1,000 Drums conducted by world-renown Egyptian composer Halim El-Dabh, a juried photography show of pictures taken by Peace Corps volunteers, panel discussions, a procession of flags, mini-reunions and a Concert for Peace. (See attached schedule)

The reunion was conceived by RPCVs in Ft. Collins to raise awareness of Colorado State University's role nearly 50 years ago in the creation of the Peace Corps. By raising public and RPCV awareness, local RPCVs hope to begin raising funds for a museum honoring the Peace Corps in one of the places that was instrumental to its founding.

The city and area businesses, through the Beet Street arts and humanities initiative, are committing resources and facilities to the event, and playing an instrumental role in organizing the weekend.

The public is welcome to register for the entire weekend, or come down to the Northside Aztlan Community Center, 112 E. Willow Street on Friday between 3-10 pm to enjoy food and music celebrating the international experience of the Peace Corps.

More information is available at the website, http://beetstreet.org/Peace-Corps-Reunion or by calling (970) 419-8240.

ABOUT BEET STREET
Beet Street is an economic development initiative created by the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority in 2007 to distinguish Old Town Fort Collins as a cultural destination that fosters, celebrates, and inspires human creativity through diverse cultural experiences and programming. Beet Street will create a collaborative learning community in Fort Collins, Colorado, where everyone of every age is welcome to share in discussion, reflection, and creative expression.

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