Marie Selby Botanical Gardens presents the Fourth Annual Asian Cultural Festival at the Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is pleased to announce the fourth annual Asian Cultural Festival on February 28, and March 1, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The Sarasota Chapter of Ikebana International, Sho Fu Bonsai Society of Sarasota, and Sumi-e Societies, in collaboration with Selby Gardens, will bring the Orient to our visitors. 

Opening ceremonies begin at 11:00 a.m. on February 28, 2009. The Matsuriza Taiko drummers will perform twice daily during the festival at 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.   A Lion Dance will be performed by Tang Martial Arts Center on Saturday only.  

The festival will include an Ikebana flower show and sale, a bonsai show and sale, a hibiscus show and sale, and a display of sumi-e brush painting.  Demonstrations will include: Ikebana flower arranging, bonsai styling, sumi-e brush painting, origami paper folding, martial arts and three tea ceremonies.  Asian food will be available for purchase.  Banyan Treasures and the Garden Shop will offer a variety of plants and home décor at great festival prices.

The Asian Festival is sponsored by WUSF, Comcast, Local Coffee + Tea, and the Tourist Development Council.

Admission Fees: Children 12 and Under - Free when accompanied by an adult; Adults - $17.00 and members are free; member’s guest $5.00.  For new members only, join Selby Gardens during this festival and you will receive a $10.00 discount off of the regular membership price.