(August 5, 2003) -- A major festival showcasing food, music and culture of Samoa and the Pacific Islands is scheduled to take place at ELB's Veterans Stadium (Clark Ave b/w Conant & Carson Sts.) Friday and Saturday, August 8-9.
Last year's Tafesilafa'i Festival drew several thousand visitors to the Queen Mary events park.
The annual event, organized by Rev. Misipouena Tagaloa of LB's Second Samoan Congregational Church (6th/Cedar), is part of continuing efforts to maintain links to Pacific Islander culture, traditions and celebrations.
The 2000 census indicates LB has the fourth largest population of any American city among persons identifying themselves exclusively as native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders (5.605 persons or 1.2% of LB's population). When the designation is broadened include those also reporting another race, the figure rises to 7,863 (or 1.7%). Only Honolulu, L.A. and San Diego (and NY when the designation includes those also reporting another race) have a larger population of Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders.
The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday & Saturday August 8-9 and will include fireworks both nights. LB Mayor Beverly O'Neill and Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald are scheduled to attend the event.
Organizers have posted information on a web page, accessible by clicking Tafesilafa'i festival.