July 3, 2009:  215 VIP guests attended the 2009 USA Festival hosted by the U.S. Consulate General Wuhan on July 3, 2009 to celebrate the 233^rd Independence Day of the United States.  It was the first U.S. Independence Day celebration since the establishment of the new U.S. diplomatic post in central China on November 20, 2008.  

A sign directing all participants to the 2009 USA Festival	sponsored by the U.S. Consulate General Wuhan

Among the guests were Vice Governor Tian Chengzhong of Hubei, Deputy Mayor Yue Yong of Wuhan, the French Consul General Michel Freymuth, senior officials from all four provinces of the Wuhan Consular District, mayors and deputy mayors and senior government officials of 17 cities in central China, presidents, professors and students from 15 universities and high schools, members of the Wuhan art community, NGO leaders and journalists, as well as over 50 representatives of the American and Chinese business communities in Wuhan.

Busy at work at the sign-in desk welcoming 215 American and Chinese guests

Dr. Eileen Mullady said, “When the 9th graders of Pacific Ridge embarked on their educational enrichment trip to China, little did they know the adventure that awaited them. While the Great Wall and the terra worriers created a lasting impression, the true mark on their hearts was left by the extraordinary generous people who touched their lives during their extended stay.”

Vice Governor Tian delivered a congratulatory speech and promised continued support as the U.S. and Central China continue to reach out to each other to enhance bilateral relationships.

Vice Governor Tian delivered a congratulatory speech at	the ceremony packed with good wishers.

As a key feature of the event, U.S. companies in Wuhan demonstrated their social responsibility by sponsoring four rounds of lucky draws to provide 15 prizes consisting of scholarships, USB drives and dictionaries, to underprivileged university and high school students in the Wuhan Consular District.

Coke Cola donated USB drives to local universities.

Consul General Lyle at the reception with Wuhan artists and journalists

14 Wuhan artists who have previously exhibited their paintings in the U.S. donated their services to mount an art exhibit at the ceremony to help celebrate the festival and share their artistic inspirations with attendees.  A team of Hubei University students donated their time to perform American and Chinese music at the ceremony.  Consulate General Wuhan distributed over 200 sets of American publications, including a biographical pamphlet on President Obama, a New Dialogue Magazine featuring “U.S. Foreign Policy,” and a U.S. Info DVD.

Wuhan artists mounted an art exhibit and Hubei University	Student Music Group performed at the ceremony.

It was a historical moment for the U.S. Consulate General Wuhan and a joyful occasion for Consul General Lyle and six Embassy TDY representatives to get together with VIP contacts in central China and American business leaders in Wuhan on the eve of the 233rd Independence Day of the United States to celebrate the first USA Festival.   The outreach event generated many new ideas and new opportunities to reach out to each other and build partnerships in the region of growing importance.

Energetic networking during the reception

Embassy representatives and Consul General Lyle at the successful and memorable reception