Theme

This year our theme is "Looking Back, Moving Forward". Our ancestors have left abundant heritages throughout Cambodia. The least we can do is to recognize their achievements and learn from their experiences so that we can move forward to the future with similar success.

Festival Components

Classical/Folk Dances

Classical/Folk Dances will be performed by the Cambodian Buddhist Society Cultural Group of Silver Spring, MD. The name and description of dances will be announced later when they are available.

Khmer Traditional Music

The Khmer traditional music is performed by the Mohoree Phirum Ensemble.

Mear Yoeung Show

Mear Yoeung (the lady with holes in her basket) is a folklore story about wealth and reputation are built from scratch by a well-managed wife, and that laziness and wasteful spending will eventually ruin a family life. Here is how the story goes.

Once upon a time lived in a village, a poor fisherman and his wife. The woman carried the fish her husband caught in the basket, but the basket was full of holes and many of the fishes escaped. She was lazy and careless, and did not bother to repair the basket.

One day, a rich merchant and his wife were passing along the river, they heard the fisherman scolding his wife. The merchant felt sorry for the woman and was struck by her beauty and demanded that the fisherman would trade wives. The merchant's wife went along with the plan because she was a virtuous and obedient woman. The fisherman's wife was overjoyed at the prospect of being a rich man's wife.

The virtuous woman patched the basket and the catch increased significantly, so much that she asked her husband to share some with their neighbors, who decided that the fisherman had a fine new wife.

One day, the fisherman came home from chopping wood, his wife recognized the particular wood as precious, she then asked her husband to find more so they can sell it. They made so much money that they prospered and became pretty wealthy.

On the other hand, the new wife of the merchant, with her laziness and careless ways, had a baby, whom she wiped with silk clothes and threw them away in the river. In time, she managed to squander all the merchant's fortune and the couple was reduced to begging from house to house. One day, they came to the house of their former spouses, the virtuous woman recognized them and pointed out that for their greed, they had nothing, while she who was tossed away, had transformed a poor man into a rich man. The poor couple, greatly ashamed, ran away.

This story is very popular and it draws on the fact that in Cambodian society, women are expected to be "ideally virtuous" meaning that they must know how to keep order in the household, be a great cook and of course, obedient. She must also be very intelligent as to advise her husband in his endeavors, these qualities are so important that all girls are raised to attain these virtues.

Written by Ithara Phlong from a Cambodian story-telling.

We are going to turn this story into a musical show. Detail will be published later.

Re-enacting the 1960s Cambodia

Detail coming up.

Presentation of Miss Cambodian-American Beauty DC

The pageant is a cultural and educational event that seeks to celebrate the talent, beauty and intellect of young Cambodian American women. Ithara Phlong, Program Director, states that the goal is "to promote self empowerment in our youth as well as cultural awareness of our rich heritage. "

Our contestants are absolutely beautiful from the inside as well from the outside. That what is defined a woman. These young women understand that participating in this pageant contributes to the development of networking, public-speaking and leadership skills that are surely conducive to educational and professional goals.

Our pageant is divided into 2 parts. At the festival on September 6^th, you will have an opportunity to witness a group of accomplished young women showcase their talents, poise and grace. On November 21^st, you are invited to join us at the Miss Cambodian American Crowning gala at Harvest Moon Restaurant, Falls Church, Virginia.

Exhibition of Cambodian Arts

Arts and craft, photo exhibitions from all era including Angkor, Udong and Long Vek eras will be displayed during the event.

Live Band/Social Dances

Performed by Morokot Band, the live band will feature contemporary music, songs, and social dances.

Children Activities

There will be numerous traditional games and face painting for children.

Food Vending

Foods and beverages are available for purchase.

Using Goodshop when you make purchases online will save you money and Goodshop will donate up to 20% of what you spend to Cambodian Community Day ! Signup and select us as your cause or click on the logo to start donating while shopping online at stores like Vistaprint for photos or Footsmart for shoes. Goodshop also offers tons of deals and coupons, so save on tools from Home Depot and more, while supporting us! Thanks!

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