Call for volunteers: 22nd annual Asian Festival

By James M. Benavides
Public Affairs Specialist

(Jan. 5, 2009)--Volunteers are needed to work at the 22nd annual Asian Festival, Saturday, Jan. 31 on the grounds of UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures.

Volunteers are needed to assist in key areas including setup and takedown, traffic control, visitor information, loading and assisting in the command center. Volunteers are asked to work a four-hour shift to receive complimentary admission to the festival.

A mandatory orientation session will be 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the ITC auditorium, 801 S. Bowie St. at Durango. Credentials including wristbands, parking permits, and rules and regulations will be issued at orientation. Volunteers are asked to sign up for a shift before the orientation.

The Year of the Ox celebration will host more than 40 participant organizations representing countries and cultural groups from the Silk Road to the Pacific Rim. Festival highlights include authentic ethnic foods, dance, martial arts, crafts, games, demonstrations and vendors.

To request a sign-up sheet, contact the ITC Special Events office at (210) 458-2216 or visit the Institute of Texan Cultures Web site and select the Asian Festival link.

For groups or companies that would like to provide volunteers, contact the volunteer coordinator at (210) 458-2275.