The 48th annual Peach Blossom Festival of Oral Interpretation will attract about 5,000 children from 200 Central Valley elementary schools to California State University, Fresno on March 16 and 17.

The festival was created to help young children realize the importance of reading literature aloud and participating in oral interpretation, said Whitney Fisher, the publicity coordinator..

“It is based upon the belief that literature, when read aloud, brings life to the piece,” said Fisher. “The festival provides an excellent opportunity for teachers to incorporate oral interpretation into their curriculum.”

“For most elementary school children this is their first experience with any college environment,” Fisher said. “Many students who participated in the Peach Blossom Festival in the past are now Fresno State students, enrolled in a wide range of majors.”

The festivities, hosted by the Department of Communication, are open to the public and will be headquartered in the lobby of the John Wright Theatre from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days.

Student parking areas will have relaxed parking during the festival hours. Usual restrictions will be in place for all other parking areas.

For more information, contact Whitney Fisher at 707.481.3702 or 559.278.4419, or visit the following Web site:

www.peachblossom.net

(Copy by University Communications student-intern Megan Jacobsen)