Daikin Festival Celebrates 20th Anniversary in 2014

The 20^th anniversary celebration of the annual Daikin Festival is set for Friday, May 23, 2014, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Morgan County Fairgrounds in Decatur. Hosted by Daikin America, the free event offers festivalgoers of all ages an opportunity to experience Japanese culture through music, exhibits, and food.

Festivalgoers are encouraged to wear happi coats and participate in the Japanese folk dances. Happi coats are cloth jackets, or robes, usually containing an emblem, family crest, or logo on the back, and are worn on festive occasions. Live music includes country, Cajun, rock & roll, big band and traditional Japanese music. The highlight of the evening is when Daikin employees take the stage with a Japanese Taiko Drums performance.   

Along with traditional festival food such as hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, and soft drinks, festivalgoers are treated to Cajun jambalaya, barbeque sandwiches, and Japanese Yakisoba, a stir-fried mix of noodles, cabbage, carrots, and beef. All food and drinks are free of charge. In addition to free parking around the fairgrounds, free round-trip shuttle service will be provided to the fairgrounds from Decatur Mall and Austin High School. 

During the festival, festivalgoers can learn more about Daikin America from a display of product exhibits. Other displays include the Daikin Homestay Program, a program where area students and teachers travel to Japan for a two-week stay. Free tethered hot-air balloon rides are also available, weather permitting. The festivities conclude with a grand prize drawing for a free vacation at 8:45 p.m.

For more information on the Daikin Festival, contact Daikin America Community Relations Manager Forrest Keith at 256.306.5000.

About Daikin America, Inc.

Daikin America is a leading global supplier of PTFE Molding and Fine Powders and Dispersions. Daikin also specializes in FEP, PFA, ETFE, PCTFE, EFEP, Fluoroelastomers and Unidyne oil and water repellents. Daikin also is home of the largest solar power installation in Alabama. Daikin is committed to good corporate citizenship, providing new employment opportunities at its various sites. For more information, visit www.daikin-america.com.