New York, NY April 20 – The 33rd Annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Festival will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2012 on Ellis Island from 12:00pm to 2:00pm and on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at the Brooklyn Archway in Dumbo, from 11:00am to 6:00pm.

Organized by the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans since 1979, this annual festival is the longest running and largest event celebrating pan-Asian heritage nationwide. It celebrates not only the value of families, but also our heritage which make us proud to be Asian American and Pacific Islander. The festival is free and open to the public thanks to generous contributions from sponsors Verizon and Macy's as well as from supporting companies: McDonalds, Con Edison, Toyota, Pepperidge Farm, Campbell Soup, Different Roads to Learning, and many Asian communities and organizations.

More than 20,000 visitors are expected for an impressive line-up of performances, fun activities for children and adults alike, and savory samples of Asian cuisine. Numerous Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations will be present to inform visitors about useful services, volunteer opportunities, and resources to get involved in the community. Attendees can expect a riveting lineup of performances and speakers including:

• Special appearance by Mr. Eric Adams, New York State Senator and Mr. John Liu, Comptroller, City of New York
• Emcees by Ti-Hua Chang, Bea Hundel, CeFaan Kim, Air Tabigue, and Michelle Yu
• Opening ceremony by Color Guard of Navy Operational Support Center NYC
• Martial arts and cultural demonstration by New York Chinese School Crimson Kings Drum, Chinese Freemason Athletic Club's Lion Dance and World Martial Arts Center
• Music performances by The Stone Forest Ensemble, The Hsu-Nami, UZUHI, Mitchell Grey, and Tiffany Ashley Viray
• Dance presentations by Polynesian Dance, Bollywood Axion Dance, New York Chinese Cultural Center, Yosakoi Dance Project, and I LOVE DANCE's Kpop Dance Group
• Asian traditional folk arts presentations by Rose Sigal-Ibsen, Kavita Vyas, Ye Xun, Jampa Youden, Duong Trung, and Ming Liang Lu.

The community festival will be packed with lively entertainment, tasty eats, and valuable resources in celebration of Asian American and Pacific American Heritage Month -- and the rich culture, history and accomplishments of Asian American and Pacific Islander. For more details on the event, go to: http://capaonline.org.