The Wales Smithsonian Cymru program at the 2009 Smithsonian Folklife Festival starts Wednesday, June 24. Opening Ceremony is 11 a.m. on the Welsh Dragon Stage, and all are welcome as this is a free and open event on the National Mall in Washington, DC. First Minister Rhodri Morgan will be the featured speaker for Wales. The actual Festival events will begin around 12 when the Opening Ceremony is finished, and we also have an evening concert with Crasdant that night "after hours" (6-7:30ish). For complete line-up of the first day and days thereafter, see our Web site, www.folklife.si.edu and don't forget Welsh American Day on June 27! And for those of you who will be able to attend "only in spirit" - watch the Web site as there will be video features every day. It is going to be BENDIGEDIG! Betty Belanus, Curator