Peace Lantern Floating Ceremony, Aug 5, 6:30pm

July 25th, 2010

Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki Aug. 1945.

Gather to make lanterns. Kits and instructions for making lantern will be provided.

Location: East Picnic Shelter at Silver Lake
7:30pm: Ceremony and Lantern floating at sunset

SPEAKERS: Mayor Ardell Brede, Mark Nunberg, Guiding Teacher of Common Ground (Meditation Center in Minneapolis) & Mirja P. Hanson, Honorary Consul General of Japan

MUSIC: Campfire II, Omni Drummers

As it enters Hiroshima, the Ohta River splits into six fingers. It was to these waters that tens of thousands fled seeking shelter from the flames of the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. It is here each August that people gather, as they do in Nagasaki three days later, to float lanterns and to remember: never again.

In Rochester we remember those days to remind ourselves of what we are capable of doing. Nuclear weapons are capable of destroying the world’s civilization. We are capable of preventing that destruction. We gather to remind ourselves that the choice is ours.

Everyone is welcome!!

International Summer Picnic, Thursday July 15 7PM

July 13th, 2010

MAYOR ARDELL BREDE AND THE MAYOR’S INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WITH THE ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO THEIR ANNUAL International Summer Picnic

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 7:00- 9:00 PM AT THE SHELTER IN
SILVER LAKE PARK NEXT TO THE FIRE STATION (7TH ST. NE) (WE HAVE A ROOF – SO COME RAIN OR SHINE!)

MEET INTERESTING PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELF FROM AROUND THE WORLD. PLEASE BRING: YOUR CHEERFUL SELF, YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, AND IF YOU CAN, PLEASE BRING SOME FOOD FROM YOUR COUNTRY FOR THE BUFFET TO SHARE. IT’S ALWAYS FUN TO TRY DIFFERENT FOODS!
WE’LL PROVIDE SOME PICNIC FOOD, BEVERAGES. THERE IS ALSO A PLAYGROUND FOR KIDS ADJACENT. DRESS IS VERY CASUAL.

If YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, YOU CAN CALL HERTA AT 280-8319 (NOT AFTER 9PM PLEASE).

Reminder: World Festival 2010

April 9th, 2010

Just a friendly reminder that the World Festival begins this weekend starting on Friday April 9 7PM at Mayo High School with the Talent Show. Then on Saturday April 10 10AM to 3PM at Mayo High School, we have festivities and food for the entire family.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS, WITHOUT WHOM THE WORLD FESTIVAL COULD NOT BE CONTINUED:

MAYO CLINIC AND US BANK FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE THAT SATURDAY IS A FREE EVENT FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.

US BANK ESPECIALLY THIS YEAR FOR SUPPORTING THE IMMIGRANT STORY BOOTH.

THE OLMSTED COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AND ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL DANCE STUDIO FOR THEIR PROGRAM SUPPORT.

RCTC FOR THEIR INVALUABLE IN-KIND SUPPORT.

Thank you to our Children’s Area program sponsors.
* Tissue Paper Flowers sponsored by Rochester Women
* Origami sponsored by Mothers and More
* Teepees, Face Painting sponsored by Native American Center of SE MN
* Masks sponsored by Rochester Arts Center
* Free Books sponsored by the Imagination Library
* Wall Mosaic, Pinatas, Puppet Show sponsored by Upward Bound
* Flags from around the World sponsored by Rochester International Dance Studio

PLEASE BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION. WITHOUT OUR MEMBERS AND THEIR FEES WE CANNOT CONTINUE OUR EFFORTS. THANK YOU! YOU CAN SIGN UP ON-LINE AT WWW.RIA-MINNESOTA.ORG

There are many ways to reach us or stay informed.

Press Release for the 35th Rochester World Festival 2010

February 11th, 2010

“ONE WORLD – MANY CULTURES”

On Friday, April 9, and Saturday, April 10, 2009 the Rochester International Association presents its 35th World Festival at Mayo High School in Rochester, Minnesota.

The Festival opens Friday evening at 7 pm with a colorful show of performances including dancing, singing, and music by performers in their native costumes from around the world. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for students and children, $20 for families.

On Saturday, from 10 am to 3 pm, the Festival features a full day of activities including the Parade of Nations, dozens of cultural displays from around the world representing the rich diversity of our city and region, and international buffet of ethnic foods in the cafeteria, continuous music and dance performances, a Market Place, and wide variety of children’s activities. Admission is free, food at a nominal charge..

The World Festival began as a bicentennial event in 1976, envisioned and organized by Fuad Mansour. Now in its 35th year of celebrating the cultural diversity of the Rochester area, it has become the largest multi-cultural event in Minnesota south of the Twin Cities, attracting thousands of visitors and hundreds of participants.

To participate or volunteer or for questions, please call Herta at 280-8319 or e-mail at hmatteson@hotmail.com