TAIWAN ORCHIDS TO BLEND INTO TULIP FESTIVAL IN CANADA'S CAPITAL

Ottawa, April 19 by S.C. Chang (CNA)

Taiwan orchids will blend into this year's Canadian Tulip Festival in Canada's capital city of Ottawa May 4-22 when over three million tulips are expected to create an exotic mosaic of color and beauty in the world's largest tulip festival.

Chang Hsin-hsiung, director of the Science and Technology Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Canada, said the orchids will not only speak for Taiwan's agricultural technology but also increase Canadian and international awareness of Formosa, "the beautiful island."

Under the auspices of local Taiwanese community groups such as the Taiwanese-Canadian Association and Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation, Taiwan orchids as well as folk cultures will be featured in a Taiwan Hall, Taiwan Day activities, a flower and design show, and a flower boats parade.

The Taiwan Hall will be part of International Friendship Village activities in an Ottawa park May 12 through May 22, one of the highlights of the Canadian Tulip Festival.

Festival organizers have designated this year's Mother's Day, which falls on May 14, as "Taiwan Day" at the International Friendship Village, when the Taipei Folk Dance Theater will stage two performances in celebration of the day.

From May 16 through May 22, tourism information about Taiwan, tea-making arts, gourmet food and handicrafts, including lanterns, will be presented at the Taiwan Folk Culture Hall.

On May 21 and May 22, Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation will celebrate its 40th anniversary, an occasion to look back on its previous charity work around the world and share its visions about the future with visitors.

Well-known florists from Taiwan are invited to participate in the flower design exhibition May 19-22 to show off their flower arrangement skills. Along with an international evening gown pageant, the flower design show is another highlight of this year's Canadian Tulip Festival.

On May 21, an orchids-decorated boat will represent Taiwan in a flower boats parade on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, marking the first time Taiwan has participated in the Flotilla on Canal, the festival's ever-popular parade on water.