> The Fifth Annual Thai New Year Day Songkran Festival is
> coming to East Hollywood on Sunday, April 13th, 2008
> from 8am till 7pm along Hollywood Blvd. between
> Western and Normandie.
>
> What makes this festival one of the Top 10 festivals in
> Southern California?
>
> ADMISSION IS FREE
> The money in your wallet can go towards that
> one-of-a-kind gift.
>
> AUTHENTICITY
> This is the largest Thai festival in the United States.
> It is a celebration of the Thai culture for people of
> Thai decent living in the US that we can all take part
> in. On April 13th, Hollywood Boulevard will transform
> into a Bangkok street.
>
> THE FOOD
> There will be an abundance of traditional Thai dishes
> including pad thai, satay, and mango with sticky rice.
> This year also marks the beginning of the International
> Curry Festival.
>
> THE BIRTH OF THE INTERNATIONAL CURRY FESTIVAL
> The first instance of the Annual International Curry
> Festival will celebrate curry in all its forms. Curry
> transcends culture. Although originally from India,
> other cultures including Thailand and Japan have
> created national dishes flavored with curry.
>
> More from Thai CDC:
>
> Not only will the Thai curry be the super star that
> day, all kinds of curry related products, regardless
> of their national origins, shape, color, spice level,
> texture will be worshipped. All the international
> curry products will also have a chance to compete for
> the CURRY KING title. In this event people can try
> different kind of curry dishes, desserts, and snacks
> that are made with curry. In addition to that, the
> participants can learn how to make easy and flavorsome
> curry dishes and desserts demonstrated by star chef Jet
> Tila and others. People will also find unique and
> special curry ingredients from around the world that
> they have never seen and tasted before.
>
> THE VARIETY OF THINGS TO DO
> Over 60 booths, two main stages and a boxing ring will
> share many ways to sample Thai culture.
> Highlights: Thai water blessing (from 8am till 9am),
> Vendors selling Thai handicrafts, Muay Thai Boxing, a
> community parade, the Thai Traditional Attire Fashion
> Show, craft areas for the kids, Thai classical and
> folk dances, live music, the Singha Beer Garden, Miss
> Thai Town New Year USA beauty contest, Jonas and
> Kristy, intricate fruit carving demonstrations, free
> health screenings, and the 5k Run/Walk.