Cambodian New Year celebration enjoys some sun [in West Seattle]

Merchants offered a variety of clothing and other items at the Cambodian New Year Festival in White Center April 30. (Kimberly Robinson)

By Patrick Robinson
2011-04-30
West Seattle Herald (Washington, USA)

The Cambodian New Year Festival came back to White Center on April 30 taking place on the block between 15th and 16th s.w. on 98th Street s.w.

Sopha Dahn with the White Center Community Development Association in charge of the event spoke and served as the host for the event. 22 booths offering food, information and neighborhood interaction and goods for sale plus cultural dances, music, poetry and performances and demonstrations rounded out the event.

Included in the program were traditional dances, a banana eating contest, and a kickboxing demonstration.

The festival is the work of the Cambodian Cultural Alliance of Washington (CCAW), a locally founded and locally based organization in White Center.

"Our mission is to create opportunities for diverse communities to understand and appreciate traditional Cambodian art through events and other cultural activities. Our goal is to provide learning opportunities for youths about traditional Cambodian arts and culture. Our vision is to foster unity and generate interest in showcasing traditional arts and culture of Cambodia."

In addition to grants, the festival is made possible with sponsorships and donations from local businesses and individuals.

This festival is a celebration of the Cambodian New Year and to showcases one of the many unique cultures in White Center.