South Africa
Chairperson: India Thomasd
Caribbean Islands
Presented by WEST INDIES UNITED
Contact: Johnny Richardson, 757.496.6006
Committee: Johnny Richardson, Patricia Smith, LaMarsee Webb & Anthony Chambers
Email: wiussc@yahoo.com
Website: West Indies United
Stop by our booth and check out: Caribbean art, history, culture, language, coins, fruits, and carnival costumes.
Links:
People's Republic of China
Contact: Jeff Li
Committee: Bill Ma, Lily Li, Harry Zhang, Suying Lam, Jason Duan and Ji Su
Organization: TCS, EVCSA, PCAA
Email: jiuwangli@yahoo.com
Phone: 757.839.9205, 757.961.8282 or 757.613.6487
Stop by our booth and check out children’s activities, Chinese arts & crafts.
Tidewater Chinese School Entertainment Description
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| Chinese Folk Dance
The traditional Chinese ribbon dance, once performed only for royalty, now has become a traditional dance to perform during festivals ~ celebration of hope, joy and peace. By the way, red is the symbol of happiness.
The fan dance is a popular traditional Chinese dance. It is a graceful and elegant dance that shows off the beauty of the fluttering fans. The fans are skillfully used to portray the illusions of flowers and waves. |
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Guzheng-Chinese Zither Traditional Music

The erhu, also called nanhu (literally "southern fiddle"), and sometimes known in the West as the "Chinese violin," is a two-stringed bowed musical instrument, used as a solo instrument as well as in small ensembles or large orchestras.
The zheng is one the most ancient musical instruments in China. The modern zheng is about five feet long and twelve inches wide and has 21 to 26 strings.
Traditionally, the zheng (Zither) was used for court and folk entertainment rather than rituals. In the second half of the twentieth century, the growth of national music and increased interest in writing new compositions for solo instruments established the zheng as a concert solo instrument.
Cambodia
Chairperson: B Hem
Co-Chair: Parady Hem
Organization: CHR (Cambodians of Hampton Roads)
England
Chairpersons: Clint & Rose Merrel
Contact Number: 757.369.6315 or 757.867.1060
Email: merrelle@cox.net
Did you know: Soccer was first developed in England in the 19th century. In 1904 the Federation International de Football Association, or FIFA was founded. (Soccer is called Football in some other countries.) Chinese, Greek, Mayan, and Egyptian ancient societies show that kicking games were played in those cultures. The best soccer player was Pele. His real name is Edson Arantes Do Nascimento. The Soccer Industry Council of America guessed that more than 13,000,000 boys and girls under 18 years old played soccer by 1994. Regular league play started in England in 1888.
France
Organization: Peninsula French Club
Co-Chairpersons: Bernadette Lynch & Colette Inboden
Contact Number: 757.874.3671
Ghana
Chairperson: Naana Kyereboah
Contact Number: 804.363.4720
Email: nabina@comcast.net
Stop by and check out our clothing, art, uncooked food items, hear music from Ghana!
You'll also find out your soul names and decorate a bookmark or placemat!
Germany
Chairperson: Julia Stewart
Co-Chairperson: Julia Marhauser
Committee: Marianna Livermore
Email: boysharptooth@aol.com
Organization: German School Hampton Roads
Poland
Chairperson: Marzena Bogacki
Committee: Maciej Zaborowski, Lt.Col. Polish Air Force, Bozena Wos, Kathryn Williams
Contact Number: 757.724.7238
Email: polonia@cox.net
Website: http://members.cox.net/polonia/
Stop by our booth and check out our Order of the Smile and play Polish games and learn dances!
Greece
Chairman: Zoe M. Lumpkin
Co-Chairman: Evelyn Vretos
Committee members: Voula Vretakis, Tessie Dakis, Athena Markos, Jennifer Patrinely, Francis Polyzos, Sharon Otero, and Becky Karatsikis.
Organization: Daughters of Penelope
Website: greekfriends.org
Contact Number: 757.595.8472
Email: zlumpkin@hotmail.com
Entertainment: Hellenic Youth Dancers, a Greek Folk Dance Troupe
Greek Activity: Children's crafts to include Olympic torches and Olympic Olive Wreaths
Iceland
Chairman: Ms. Sesselja "Sella" Siggeirsdóttir
Co-Chair: Ella Wanros
Organization: Icelandic American Association of Hampton Roads
President: Ms. Sesselja Siggeirsdóttir
185 Commodore Drive, Norfolk, VA 23503
E-mail: sellasig@aol.com
Website: www.icelandicassociationvirginia.org
Stop by our booth and meet The Vikings!
India
Chairperson: Dr. Aran Saha (President)
Committee: Radhakrishna Renukunta (Vice President)
Organization: Asian Indians of Hampton Roads
Website: Asian Indians of Hampton Roads
Email: aihr.va@gmail.com
Contact phone: 757-508-5333
Entertainment: Dance performances
Stop by our booth and check out our pictures and statues. You’ll see costumes and our artifacts!
Ireland
Chairman: Dermot Hudson & Cleo Hicks
Committee: Barb McCook, Janeann Hudson, Gayle Lingard and Phil Duffy
Info@irishinvirginia.com
Organization: Irish in Virginia
C/O 702 Quesnel Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Entertainment: The Wednesday Session
Activities: Potato Farm & Leprechauns
Italy
Chairperson: Brenda Wrightington
Organization: Peninsula Italian American Lodge #2145 (PIAL)
Website: www.pial2145va.org
Contact Number: 757.874.1890
Entertainment: Christopher Columbus Bingo
Stop by our booth and check out: Word game bingo on Christopher Columbus, Fact Sheet will be given out, prizes for bingo winners.
Japan
Chairman: Machiko Kojima
Entertainment: TBA
Stop by our booth and check out: Japanese' children’s festival doing origami, coloring and making book markers. Try beautiful kimono on (traditional costume). See Japanese books on display.
Korea
Korean Coordinator for Festival:
Peninsula Korean American Association
13750 Warwick Blvd
Newport News, VA 23602
757.877.2744
Ssang Lee, President
Haechung Goldman, Chairperson
Entertainment:
Peninsula Korean American Cultural Center
Taekwondo & Children’s Sport Dance (Traditional Korean Marshal Art)
Mexico
Chairman: Juanita Greenwood
Committee: Rita Charnick
Contact Number: 757.851.8800
| Proudly sponsored by |
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Morocco
Co-Chairs: Mohamed & Jeanne Abog
Contact Number: 757.814.0141
Email: jgamdier@msn.com
Republic of Hungary
First Year in Festival: 2010
Organization: A Taste of Hungary
Co-Chairpersons: Zoltan Varga and Carleen Bena
Email: Zoltan Varga
Food: LANGOS (Hungarian flat bread rubbed in garlic); Hungarian Goulash; Assorted Hungarian Pastries
Native Americans

Chairman: Baldemar Galvan, Jr. & Lillian Casper
Phone: 757.416.4943
Email: bagalvan@yahoo.com or wolfsongern@msu.com
Entertainment: Storytelling and Dances
Stop by our booth and see Native artifacts, and sift for coins, arrowheads, fossils, and stones.
Nigeria
Chairperson: Uche Umejei
Co-Chairperson: Lavern Madu
Committee: Monsurat Layeni
Organization: Nigerian Women Association of Hampton Roads Virginia
Contact Number: 757.721.7594
Email: ucheumejei585@yahoo.com
Norway
Chairpersons: Harriet Lindenberg & June Cooper
Committee Members: Tom Bakke & Michael Beck
Organization: Sons of Norway
Hampton Roads Lodge 3-522
"Celebrating the Norwegian Heritage"
Contact Number: 757.721.7594
Email: pscarnes@cox.net
Website: Sons of Norway - Hampton Roads
Stop by our booth and check out: Travel brochures, maps, coloring pages, assorted Norwegian articles, hear folk music, and greet ladies in Norwegian costumes!
Interested in coming to our Kids Club – Viking Voyagers? Click Here
Panama
| Proudly sponsored by |
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ABOUT US
The Panamanian Folkloric Group of Hampton Roads is a non-profit organization, conducting cultural programs. Since its creation in 1993, it has become an artistic display of the most authentic folkloric dances of Panama, characterized by the joy, cadence, rhythm and beat.
We have consistently surpassed audience expectations with our display of colorful Panamanian authentic attire, enthusiastic dancers, exciting music, and a contagious atmosphere that stimulates a desire to learn more about Panama, its culture and its people.
We had performed and/or participated in:
- Inaugural Parade of Governor Tim Kaine in Colonial Williamsburg
- 2004 televised Cox Cable Christmas Program of the Christopher Newport University
- Local community and national parades such as the International Parade of Virginia Beach, military functions in Fort Eustis, Fort Monroe, among others
- Local cultural activities at schools in Norfolk and Porstmouth
- Cultural festivals such as The Annual Norfolk Latino Music Festival, Cultural festivals such as The Annual Norfolk Latino Music Festival, 2004 Carnival Jump Up, Virginia International Caribbean Carnival
- Multicultural festivals such as 2006 Multicultural Fair at Princess Anne Community Center
- Cultural activities for federal agencies and private corporations
- Social events as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, among others
Throughout our performances, we have strengthened the folkloric and cultural presence of Panama, primarily, but not exclusively in the Greater Peninsula and Hampton Roads areas.
HISTORY
The Panamanian Folkloric Group of Hampton Roads, integrated by resident Panamanians in Virginia, began in Newport News, Virginia in September 1993, under the direction of Ms. Audomelia Robinson, a native of the province of Darien in Panama. In the beginning, it was not far from easy. Thanks to her love and passion for the Panamanian folklore, Mrs. Robinson was managed to gather a group integrated by Panamanians, Colombians, Guatemalans and Puerto Ricans and to start the folkloric group with four pairs.
Time has passed and we have gained prestige and recognition. Our experience has allowed us to increase our membership as follows:
President: Audomelia "Aura" Robinson
Vice-president: Nikki Bacilio-High
Treasury: Liz Montgomery
Marketing and Promotion: Edilberto "Fulo" Galván and Nikki Bacilio-High
Event Planning: Argelis Wesley-Spruill
Dance choreography: Nuria McNamara and Edilberto Galván
Administrative Support: Ariadne Myers and Itza McMahon
Performers:
- Xiomara Bolton
- Jenny Banks
- Ricardo Santamaria
- James Charity
- Tania Davis
- Ashley Robinson
- Daphne Robinson
- Stephanie Varcasia
- Ashley Varcasia
MISSION
We spread and promote the Panamanian culture through its folkloric, artistic and musical manifestations.
Besides to spread the Panamanian culture through its regional dances, the group acts the important social role to gather the Panamanians who are far away from their motherland, but are identified with the Panamanian culture.
Through the regional dances of Panama, the group displays some of the most authentic folkloric manifestations of Panama, characterized by the joy, cadence, rhythm and beat of these artistic expressions.
WHERE DO WE REHEARSE?
On weekends, members of the Panamanian Folklore in Hampton Roads gather together to rehearse or just enjoy lunch and conversation.
The organization is open to those of all cultural backgrounds, providing interested parties the opportunity to explore and experience the rich culture of Panama through dance.
Our rehearsals are scheduled on Saturdays at:
Northampton Recreation Center
1435 Todds Lane # A
Hampton, VA 23666
Phone: 757.825.4805
Join us in promoting the rich and cultural traditions Panama has to offer.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
If you have a talent and would like to become part of this wonderful folkloric dance group, we have a place for you! Everyone at the Panamanian Folkloric Group of Hampton Roads -- dancers, coordinators, fundraisers, even the Director -- are volunteers so that every dollar given goes directly into bringing high-quality Panamanian folklore and culture to our local community.
Please contact us at panamaenva@hotmail.com and let us know what you have fun doing -- no talent too big or small!
Armenia
Chairperson: Anna Gyurjyan
Co-Chairperson: Angella Stepanyan
Peru
Chairman: Myriam Inman
Committee: Candy, Crystal, Jessica Inman
Organization: "My Peru"
Contact Number: 804.210.1239
Email: manate3@yahoo.com
Philippines
Chairman: Joe Solinap & Jeanne Tolentino
Organization: FilAm Center at Old Dominion University
Contact Number: 757.683.3233
Email: eclaudio@odu.edu
Other volunteers: Dr. Araceli Suzara, Estrella Claudio, SueAnn Barros, Michelle Beltran, John Beltran and PYC Youth
Theme: Philippine Fiesta
Entertainment: Philippine Native Dances
"Nowhere else in the World, except for the Philippines, can Jeepneys be found. It is uniquely Filipino in it's approach to the mass transit problem. Nothing symbolizes Filipino ingenuity, innovativeness, adaptability, and grit more than this gutsy, cocky, colorful vehicle."
Rice terraces in the mountains above the town of Banawe. Carved out of the mountains over 2000 years ago, these rice fields are considered the eighth wonder of the ancient world. These fields have recently been prepared for planting. Young seedling rice is grown in a cluster in one section of the field. It is then pulled up and individual plants are placed in the mud at intervals of five to six inches apart.
Join us for a "Pabitin" celebration!
"Pabitin is a square trellis where goodies (candies, fruits, etc.) are hung by strings. This trellis in turn is tied to a rope and is suspended on a strong branch or pole. The children gather under the trellis and they jump as high as they can to try to pick the goodies as the trellis gets lowered to them while someone pulls it up and down repeatedly until the goodies are gone."
We plan to have 4 pabitin sessions. We'll post the schedule outside our tent.
Brazil
Chairpersons: Marcondes (Marc) & Ruth Marques
Co-Chairperson: Allan Clark
Organization: The Channel, Inc.
Contact Number: 757.244.6852
Website: www.thechannel.org
Stop by our booth and check out: the people, language, currency, sunshine, forest, and all the tropical delights of Brazil!
Philippines
Chairman: Estrella Claudio
Organization: FilAm Center at Old Dominion University
Contact Number: 757.683.3233
Email: eclaudio@odu.edu
Other volunteers: Dr. Araceli Suzara, Estrella Claudio, Joe Solinap,
Jeanne Tolentino, SueAnn Barros, Michelle Beltran, John Beltran and PYC Youth
Theme: Philippine Fiesta
Food: Pansit, Chicken Adobo, pork barbecue on a stick, fried rice and desserts.
Entertainment: Philippine Native Dances
"Nowhere else in the World, except for the Philippines, can Jeepneys be found. It is uniquely Filipino in it's approach to the mass transit problem. Nothing symbolizes Filipino ingenuity, innovativeness, adaptability, and grit more than this gutsy, cocky, colorful vehicle."
Rice terraces in the mountains above the town of Banawe. Carved out of the mountains over 2000 years ago, these rice fields are considered the eighth wonder of the ancient world. These fields have recently been prepared for planting. Young seedling rice is grown in a cluster in one section of the field. It is then pulled up and individual plants are placed in the mud at intervals of five to six inches apart.
Join us for a "Pabitin" celebration!
"Pabitin is a square trellis where goodies (candies, fruits, etc.) are hung by strings. This trellis in turn is tied to a rope and is suspended on a strong branch or pole. The children gather under the trellis and they jump as high as they can to try to pick the goodies as the trellis gets lowered to them while someone pulls it up and down repeatedly until the goodies are gone."
We plan to have 4 pabitin sessions. We'll post the schedule outside our tent.
Brazil
Through the regional dances of Panama, the group displays some of the most authentic folkloric manifestations of Panama, characterized by the joy, cadence, rhythm and beat of these artistic expressions.
WHERE DO WE REHEARSE?
On weekends, members of the Panamanian Folklore in Hampton Roads gather together to rehearse or just enjoy lunch and conversation.
The organization is open to those of all cultural backgrounds, providing interested parties the opportunity to explore and experience the rich culture of Panama through dance.
Our rehearsals are scheduled on Saturdays at:
Northampton Recreation Center
1435 Todds Lane # A
Hampton, VA 23666
Phone: 757.825.4805
Join us in promoting the rich and cultural traditions Panama has to offer.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
If you have a talent and would like to become part of this wonderful folkloric dance group, we have a place for you! Everyone at the Panamanian Folkloric Group of Hampton Roads -- dancers, coordinators, fundraisers, even the Director -- are volunteers so that every dollar given goes directly into bringing high-quality Panamanian folklore and culture to our local community.
Please contact us at panamaenva@hotmail.com and let us know what you have fun doing -- no talent too big or small!
Thank you for taking this time to get to know a little about our folkloric dance group.
Philippines
Chairman: Estrella Claudio
Organization: FilAm Center at Old Dominion University
Contact Number: 757-683-3233
Email: eclaudio@odu.edu
Other volunteers: Dr. Araceli Suzara, Estrella Claudio, Joe Solinap,
Jeanne Tolentino, SueAnn Barros, Michelle Beltran, John Beltran and PYC Youth
Theme: Philippine Fiesta
Food: Pansit, Chicken Adobo, pork barbecue on a stick, fried rice and desserts.
Entertainment: Philippine Native Dances
"Nowhere else in the World, except for the Philippines, can Jeepneys be found. It is uniquely Filipino in it's approach to the mass transit problem. Nothing symbolizes Filipino ingenuity, innovativeness, adaptability, and grit more than this gutsy, cocky, colorful vehicle."
Rice terraces in the mountains above the town of Banawe. Carved out of the mountains over 2000 years ago, these rice fields are considered the eighth wonder of the ancient world. These fields have recently been prepared for planting. Young seedling rice is grown in a cluster in one section of the field. It is then pulled up and individual plants are placed in the mud at intervals of five to six inches apart.
Join us for a "Pabitin" celebration!
"Pabitin is a square trellis where goodies (candies, fruits, etc.) are hung by strings. This trellis in turn is tied to a rope and is suspended on a strong branch or pole. The children gather under the trellis and they jump as high as they can to try to pick the goodies as the trellis gets lowered to them while someone pulls it up and down repeatedly until the goodies are gone."
We plan to have 4 pabitin sessions. We'll post the schedule outside our tent.
Brazil
Chairman: Marcondes (Marc) & Ruth Marques
Organization: Channel to Brazil for Christ
Contact Number: 757.244.6852
Website: www.thechannel.org
Taiwan Republic of China
Chairpersons: Karen & Jerry Chen
Committee: Dr. Jeenson Sheen, Bruce Wu, Ben Yu
Organization: Tidewater Chinese School
Website: www.tidewaterchineseschool.com
Email: tidewaterchineseschool@yahoo.com
Phone: 757.389.8678
At the booth, we will have people to introduce Taiwan. Topics will be included: Taiwanese arts, attractions, festivals, foods, history, literature, nature, and people as well as traditional children’s games, such as Diabolos and origami. We will display photos and videos of Taiwan and Taiwanese toys (e.g., Glove Puppetry and Whipping Tops). We will also have calligraphers writing participants' names in Chinese calligraphy.
USA
Chairman: Cheryl A. Shelton
Co-Chairperson: Valencia Manning
Organization: Hampton Public Libraries
Contact number: 757.825.4558 / 757.727.1149
Email: nhstaff@hampton.gov
The Hampton Public Library is proud to be representing the USA at the International Children's Festival. There will be books about the USA for children to explore, a craft to make and take with you and lots of wonderful information on activities at the library all year long. Thanks to the festival a child's eyes will be opened up to all of the wonders of the world and to the library where all of these wonders can be explored.
Spain

Co-Chairpersons: Jennifer Lopez & Tricia Marcarian
Organization: Phoebus High School
Contact number: 757.728.8978
Stop by our booth and check out: Make your own Spanish Flag, Pin the horns on the bull, fans, make your own castanet’s, maps, and music!

Vietnam
Chairperson: Ming Truong
Committee: Dung A. Nguyen, Thuy Nguyen
Organization: Ming & Joanne Truong Foundation
Contact number: 757.618.4589
Email: truongfoundation@gmail.com
Entertainment: Folk dances, National Official Costumes
Stop by our booth and check out: Free "Vietnamese Ink Wash Painting in the Park" class, material and supplies provided.