BAYOU LA BATRE, AL - BPSOS, in collaboration with several Vietnamese and other local community groups, will celebrate the new Year of the Dog on Saturday. Attendees can peruse various booths that provide games, food, and promotional materials from the sponsoring organizations. In addition, several performances, including the traditional Lion Dance and cultural dances will take place at the festival.

The festival will take place Saturday, January 28, 2006 from 6pm to 9pm. This event will be held at the Bayou La Batre Community Center, 12745 Padgett Switch Rd.

"The celebration of the new year is one of many traditions these families look forward to getting back to," said Dr. Nguyen Dinh Thang, Executive Director of BPSOS who will also be enjoying the festivities in Bayou La Batre. "We hope the new year will fulfill their hopes of returning to their once happy and prosperous lives."

Facts about the Vietnamese New Year: Tet is the abbreviation of Tet Nguyen Dan which means the first morning of the first day of the new period. Tet marks the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar, is the beginning of Spring, and last 3 days. Traditions include cooking and eating certain foods reserved for the new year like watermelon seeds and Earth cake, a square cake made with rice beans and pork. Adults present children with red envelopes that contain "Lucky Money," or li xi.: The color Red symbolizes good luck and happiness.