MIDDFEST INTERNATIONAL PRESENTS 'ZOOFARI' SUMMER PARTY AT THE CINCINNATI ZOO IN HONOR OF 2010 FEATURED COUNTRY BOTSWANA

Middletown, OH- As part of its October 2010 celebration of the southern African country of Botswana, Middfest International will hold its annual summer party at the Cincinnati Zoo on July 31, 2010 from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Middfest's 'Zoofari' will introduce guests to some of the stunning wildlife that makes Botswana such a popular safari destination with a private tram tour through the Zoo. Guests will also enjoy an "In the Wilds" picnic dinner and presentations detailing plans for exhibits, discussions and performances at Middfest's upcoming Botswana celebration on October 1, 2 and 3 in Middletown.  The Zoo's ambassador animals will also make a special appearance during the evening.

Botswana is considered one of Africa's most stable and successful nations.  It is the African continent's longest running democracy, and as the world's largest producer of diamonds, the country enjoys relative prosperity.  Botswana is also home to some of Africa's largest wilderness preserves and has successfully marketed high-end safari-based tourism.  Middfest's October celebration will feature exhibits that explore topics such as the country's complex and unique ecosystem, AIDS treatment and prevention, traditional storytelling and the possible connection of area African-American families to Botswana.

Tickets for the July 31 Zoofari Summer Party are $20 per person and include charter bus transportation from Towne Mall in Middletown to the Zoo and back, the private tram tour, dinner and chance to meet the Zoo's ambassador animals.  Buses will depart Middletown at 4:00 pm and from the Zoo at 8:45 pm Reservations are required by July 21 and can be made by calling 513-425-7707 or email middfest@siscom.net.

Another ongoing activity sponsored by Middfest this summer is The Books of Botswana Reading Challenge, which invites individuals and groups to read one or all eleven of Alexander McCall Smith's 'The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency' series of books set in Botswana. Participants can register for the Challenge by sending an email to middfestreads@gmail.com.  The Botswana Tea 'N Talk will be held at the Middletown City Building on Sunday, September 26 at 2:30 pm to honor all participants and officially open Middfest's Botswana exhibits.  Additional information can be found at www.middfest.com. 

Middfest International is a premier cultural event that celebrates a different country each year through a wide range of programs in the arts, culture and business.  These programs culminate annually on the first weekend of October in and around the Middletown City Building on Donham Plaza in Middletown, Ohio, USA when the featured country is showcased with live entertainment, food, art exhibits, lectures, movies, children’s programs, sports, a business conference, and much more.  Botswana is the featured country October 1, 2 & 3, 2010.  For more information , visit our website www.middfest.com, become a fan on Facebook, or contact Middfest Executive Director Virginia Ritan at 513-425-7707 or email middfest@siscom.net.