FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Debby Steele
Director of Marketing and Communications
(941) 366-5731 Extension 225
Email: dsteele@selby.org
(Sarasota, FL, February 17, 2009): Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is pleased to announce the fourth annual Asian Cultural Festival on February 28, and March 1, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Sarasota Chapter of Ikebana International, Sho Fu Bonsai Society of Sarasota, and Sumi-e Societies, in collaboration with Selby Gardens, will bring the Orient to our visitors.
Opening ceremonies begin at 11:00 a.m. on February 28, 2009. The Matsuriza Taiko drummers will perform twice daily during the festival at 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. A Lion Dance will be performed by Tang Martial Arts Center on Saturday only.
The festival will include an Ikebana flower show and sale, a bonsai show and sale, a hibiscus show and sale, and a display of sumi-e brush painting. Demonstrations will include: Ikebana flower arranging, bonsai styling, sumi-e brush painting, origami paper folding, martial arts and three tea ceremonies. Asian food will be available for purchase. Banyan Treasures and the Garden Shop will offer a variety of plants and home décor at great festival prices.
The Asian Festival is sponsored by WUSF, Comcast, Local Coffee + Tea, and the Tourist Development Council.
Admission Fees: Children 12 and Under - Free when accompanied by an adult; Adults - $17.00 and members are free; member’s guest $5.00. For new members only, join Selby Gardens during this festival and you will receive a $10.00 discount off of the regular membership price.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a respected center for research and education as well as a famous orchid showplace. The Gardens are located at 811 South Palm Avenue in Sarasota. It is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of Christmas day. For further information call 941.366.5731 or visit www.selby.org.
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