[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20331]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2005

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate 
the 35th year of the International Children's Festival, held in Fairfax 
County, Virginia.
  The International Children's Festival is produced by the Arts Council 
of Fairfax County in cooperation with the Wolf Trap Foundation for the 
Performing Arts and the National Park Service. Since 1971, the Festival 
has allowed children from all over the world to come together and share 
cultural traditions through the international language of the arts. The 
inaugural event attracted 7,000 spectators, volunteers and performers. 
In two years the event became the International Children's Festival, 
which was extended to a two day event and nearly doubled its audience.
  Many celebrities have served to make the event a success, and to 
bring attention to a worthy cause. Past participants include First Lady 
Nancy Reagan and Bob McGrath, also known as ``Bob of Sesame Street''. 
Some previous highlights have included the twentieth annual 
International Children's Festival themed, ``The Americas, a Rainbow of 
Colors''. This festival featured performers from North, South, and 
Central America. In the following years, performers from Europe, 
Jordan, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Siberia, Taiwan, and the Republic of 
Uzbekistan attended the festival giving the children an even wider 
appreciation of the arts from around the globe. Since 1971, groups from 
over 35 countries have participated in the festival. This year's event 
features international youth performers from Georgia, India, Mexico, 
and Nigeria. While many have traveled far to contribute, it has also 
remained close to its roots showcasing a variety of cultural arts 
performed by student groups from throughout the Washington metropolitan 
area.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to commend and congratulate the 
International Children's Festival on its 35th year. The Festival has 
enriched many lives, truly meriting recognition. I call upon my 
colleagues to join me in applauding the International Children's 
Festival's past accomplishments and in wishing it continued success in 
the many years to come.

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