PORT HOSTS TRADITIONAL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL AT ESTHER SHORT PARK (7/19/07)

For Immediate Release

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver USA will host the International Festival at Esther Short Park, a tradition since 1970. The festival will be held on Sunday, July 29, from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The festival is a free community event that showcases the many cultures of Clark County through entertainment, displays and food.

“As Vancouver’s link to the world, the port is pleased to support this long-standing tradition that showcases many cultures representing both international trade partners and members of our community,” said Executive Director Larry Paulson.

Multicultural entertainment featuring several Clark County performers and groups will include the Khmer Angkor Dance Troupe (Cambodian), Kaleinani O Ke Kukui Dancers (Hawaiian), and Mariachi Viva Mexico, American West Vancouver Chinese School students, the One-of-A-Kind Drumline, Jim Fischer & Friends from Around the World, a fashion show by Clark College International students and the Sons of Italy Bocce Ball demonstrations.

New for 2007 will be the Columbian.com Internet Lounge, where festival guests can check email and local news. Columbian.com, festival sponsor and pioneer in the new media arena, offers a local and intimate connection to the internet incorporating the voices of its newsroom, businesses and the community to provide 24-hour, 365-days a year breaking news and information.

This year will also feature free bus tours of the port’s working waterfront, scheduled to depart each half hour from the north side of the park. Bus tour guests will receive discounts for vendors at Vancouver Farmer’s Market. The market will be open throughout the festival, at the west side of the park on Esther Street. Adults must have photo identification to take the tour and children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

“This is also a wonderful opportunity for the public to witness firsthand the benefits of global trade created by the Columbia River and our local port by taking a port tour,” Paulson said.

Other community organizations sharing information at the event will include: the Fort Vancouver Seafarer’s Center, Clark College Continuing Education, Clark Public Utilities, Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, WorkSource, and Special Olympics of Washington.

Parking is available at VancouverCenter (Sixth Street and Columbia). More information about this event is available on the port’s website at www.portvanusa.com.

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The Port of Vancouver, USA, created by Clark County taxpayers in 1912, is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast. Its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a dependable labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community.

- POV -