China is just around the corner.

There was clear indication at the first planning meeting for Middfest International, set for September 29, 30 & October 1 that featuring the country of China for the 2006 celebration later this year will a timely, well attended and a well researched event.

Members from The Cincinnati Contemporary Chinese School and The Chinese American Association of Cincinnati came forth with ideas and enthusiasm. Beth Tu, Chairman of the Cincinnati Foreign Affairs office representing Sister City, Liuzhon, said she expected there to be a, “Happy marriage of the two cultures.”

There was evidence that her comment rang true when guests where invited to share descriptions of China. Surprisingly, these answers where many the same as if asked to describe Middfest; bright future, delicious food, diverse and rich culture.

Ideas flowed from determining the games for Youth Park to presenting the political changes and modernization of this massive country of 5000 years. Middfest will have the Chinese invention of kites on display and in contest, plus, exhibits demonstrating the importance of symbolism for the Chinese culture and how it has transformed itself to become of daily importance to the rest of the World.

The first highflying event to set the tone for this year’s Middfest International will be a Poker Tournament held in April, followed by kites of all shapes and sizes in May. These kites are expected to fill the sky in Middletown. The Kites Aloft Club will be working with the American Kite Flying Association to have demonstrations, displays and of course, kite flying.

As every year Middfest International appreciates and will utilize every volunteer. Those returning Middfest volunteers include Walter Leap, from Leap Realty; Corbin and Francisca Koepke to chair the food booths and Mary Ann and Bill Krum, plus, ace volunteer chair, Dick Eichenger of Middletown. Other volunteers will be coming from as far away as China this year.

Trustees for Middfest International now include Judge Mark Wall; Middletown City Manager, Bill Becker; Mark Westendorf from Target Stores; Michael McNeil; Margaret Fiora; Dr. James Ewers; Paul Nenni; Mel Cohen, Ph.D.; James Saunders and Courtney Combs.

Mark your calendars now for this fall’s spectacular showcase of China. Call for more information on how you can become involved as a vendor or volunteer, Middfest International office, 513-425-7707.