Fairfax, Virginia–This year, the 9th Asian Food and Tennis Festival is celebrating the Year of the Dragon on July 21 to 22 in this county. To add more fun and enjoyment for families, Festival Committee official George Duangmanee has announced an extension of two additional hours on July 22, Sunday.

The Festival is a two-day, FREE admission event to promote greater understanding of the Asian countries and cultures. It takes place on July 21, Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on July 22, Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is open to the public.

The Festival will again be held at the George Mason University Main Campus here in Fairfax. “It is spacious, convenient and provides us with a larger footprint to showcasing different Asian countries at the same time,” he said. “Attendees can also park their cars in the parking lot next to the Festival site.”

This year’s theme is “The Year of the Dragon,” where spectators will discover the Dragon lord of the heavens and rain maker’s representation in their own cultural and heritage in four different showcase areas: Heritage India, It’s More Fun In Philippines, Image Of China, And Amazing Thailand.

The Festival will showcase all-day prized money tennis tournament, stage performances, contests, interactive demonstrations, children interactive area with carnival rides, and games–as well as “Destination Asia,” where Asian embassies and organizations exhibit their cultures, arts, and cooking demonstration.

The Festival will have over 200 multi-cultural vendors and exhibitions, featuring 35 multi-cultural food and product vendors. Among them are Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Laotian and Philippine cuisine and handicrafts.

This year, the Thai Tennis Organization in America (TTOA) will again partner with Singha Beer and the United States Tennis Association Virginia to bring this exciting Festival to Asian American families and the general public. Media partners include Manila Mail and Asian Fortune.

TTOA works with several Asian American Associations to introduce Asian cultures to the local community. It also aims to promote tennis growth and encourage young people to broaden their horizons through scholarships. TTOA, a proud member of the USTA family, was the recipient of the 2004 Organization of the Year Award by USTA Mid-Atlantic section and the USTA Virginia District.

For more information, please contact George Duangmanee at info@asianfestivaldc.com or Bing C. Branigin at bing@asianfestivaldc.com.