[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 7520]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE COLUMBUS ASIAN FESTIVAL

 Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to acknowledge the 
22st annual Columbus Asian Festival as we celebrate the month of May as 
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The first Asian Festival was 
held in 1995 with a mission to promote the importance of cultural 
diversity in building a vibrant, prosperous, and healthy community. 
Since then, the Asian Festival continues to fulfill its mission and 
attracts over 100,000 visitors annually to the central Ohio region.
  The Asian Festival offers a variety of activities for the community 
highlighting the culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The values of 
the Asian Festival include the following: showcasing cultural heritage, 
advocating the importance of lifelong learning and education, providing 
a fun and entertaining experience, nurturing community collaboration 
and strong relationships, fostering a healthy lifestyle and quality of 
life, and serving with integrity.
  Visitors to the Asian Festival will experience hands-on art 
demonstrations, interactive dance performances, Asian music, Tai chi, 
martial arts workshops, Asian games, Asian cuisine, and much more.
  I am honored to be participating this year in the Asian Festival 
during its opening ceremony to see firsthand how this important event 
celebrates the rich tradition of Asian Pacific heritage and promotes 
cultural diversity in Ohio.
  Congratulations to all who were involved in making it a 
success.

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