<p> AFRICAN MARKETPLACE - RETURNS TO RANCHO</p><p>One of the world's largest festivals of cultural exchange and economic development, the African Marketplace & Cultural Faire (AMPCF), will return to its roots at Rancho Cienega Park, 5001 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, for three magnificent weekends, August 19-20, August 25-27 and September 2-4, 2006.</p><p>Kicking off its 21st year with a Gala African Ball and Opening Reception beginning at 6 p.m., Friday, August 18th at Rancho Cienega Park, the world-renowned festival will operate under the theme, "Ubuntu: I Exist Because You Exist." </p><p>Showcasing art and culture, travel and trade, the AMPCF founded in 1985 by James V. Burks, under the auspices of the City of Los Angeles' Department of Cultural Affairs, has grown to be one of the largest and longest running internationally recognized festivals of the African Diaspora, celebrating the cultural contributions of Africans, Africans in the Diaspora, African Americans, Caribbean's, Latin Americans, Native Americans, Mexicans, Pacific Islanders and Asians whose roots are of African descent. The annual Cultural Faire in Los Angeles is the thrust behind the soon to be constructed International African Marketplace and World Center in San Francisco.</p><p>"From inception to the present it has been our goal to define the use of culture to emphasize the importance and value of ethnic culture, and to capture and encourage a cultivation of this resource to benefit Pan-African communities and countries in travel and trade. In addition, we were working to promote respect for ethnic differences and similarities in all communities," Burks explained. "In 1985, we set out to build bridges between African Diaspora communities. This we have done ."Reaching nearly 250,000 people annually, the AMPCF has grown to be one of the largest festivals worldwide highlighting the cultural exchange and economic development for independent enterprises in the communities of the African Diaspora.</p><p>The 2006 celebration of "UBUNTU" will continue to highlight diverse cultures in its entertainment presentations, including African World Beat; Native American; Gospel; Doo Wop; Big Band Swing; Square dance; Blues; Funk; Hip Hop; Reggae; movement classes and presentations in Swing, Salsa, Samba, modern, Jazz and African dance; and World Beat and African Festivals representing Ghana, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria and South Africa. In addition, there will be festivals representing Brazil, Belize, Haiti, Ethiopia and Uganda; Youth, Caribbean, African, North American and Middle Passage Villages. Excitement is replete with the Nation's Cup Family Tennis Tournament, the Youth Unity Day Festival (Friday, August 25th), Fine Arts Pavilion, The International Travel & Trade Pavilions for South African, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana and Brazil; The Village Food Gourd with worldwide cuisine, and more than 225 arts and crafts vendors marketing local and international products.</p><p>"We are delighted to have the support of Council members Herb Wesson, Bernard Parks and Jan Perry, along with the support of the Office of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the Department of Recreation and Parks, and the Department of Cultural Affairs as our partners in presenting the 2006 Cultural Faire," commented Meta Williams, chief operating officer of the African Marketplace, Inc. "Without the support of the city, along with our loyal vendors, performers, volunteers, and participants from more than 50 countries, this production would not be possible and certainly would not have lasted for 21 years," she added. For additional details, contact the African Marketplace, Inc. at 323.293.1612.</p>