Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor

MEDIA RELEASE – IMAGINE PEACEFEST
3rd Annual Imagine Peacfest
Contact information: Deanna Taylor, 801.631.2998,info@imaginepeacefest.org
3rd Annual Imagine Peacefest will highlight films, music, and children’s artwork

Salt Lake City – The 3rd Annual Imagine Peacefest will be held at Library Plaza, downtown Salt Lake City,
September 20, 2008 from 12noon to 6pm. The event is being held in tandem with the International Day of Peace, September 21st.

“Imagine Peacefest is an opportunity for people to come enjoy a variety of ways to experience the concept of peace in our world,” says Deanna Taylor, co-founder of Imagine Peacefest. “The goal of the festival is to provide a fun, interactive afternoon of art while raising awareness of the need for peace, sustainability and social justice. We hope that this event will inspire community members to become more involved in local projects and organizations that promote global peace and justice.”

Imagine Peacefest features activities and entertainment for all ages. Displays of art by area school children and local musicians, who donate their time and talents, are featured. Films and a panel discussion provide education on global peace and current issues facing the world. Booths are available for children and adults to learn, create art and participate in a variety of ways during the event.

The Eyes Wide Open Exhibit will be on display throughout the entire event on the plaza.

"The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) created its traveling exhibition, Eyes Wide Open: The Cost of War, to honor fallen U.S. military personnel and Iraqi civilians. Eyes Wide Open: The Cost of War Utah focuses on the specific costs of war to the state of Utah,” states Brenda Chung of Cache Valley Peaceworks. “ The exhibit includes over 20 pairs of boots representing fallen servicemen and women from Utah, plus boots added by request of the families of the fallen from Mendon and Salt Lake City, Utah, and a visual representation of the Iraqi civilian casualties. This exhibit is part of AFSC’s national Eyes Wide Open: The Human Cost of War networks. “Since the Eyes Wide Open state exhibits embarked on their tour around the nation in June 2007, the exhibits have been shown in 44 states. The results have been remarkable as the message of the human cost of war has expanded to an ever wider audience. Since it’s debut in October 2007, the Utah exhibit has been shown several times in cities and towns across the state.”

Inside the library downstairs will be a children’s display of art on the theme of Peace, organized by Westminster Roots and Shoots.

“Roots and Shoots groups from around the Salt Lake Valley will be participating in the Imagine Peace Festival by bringing peace doves to fly and open the event. This symbol of peace, will soar at all Roots and Shoots Peace Day Events around the globe,” states Monica Ferreira, Community Outreach Coordinator of the Westminster Roots and Shoots. “The Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots and Shoots strives to foster a respect and understanding of all cultures and beliefs and promotes care and concern for animals, humans and the environment. We feel that if compassion and understanding is given to the whole world, peace will follow”.

A children’s “peace story time” will also be held with the reading of two books on the theme of Peace.

Two films will be shown in the library’s 4th floor conference room: “Peace One Day” about the advent of International Day of Peace and “A Soldier’s Peace”, made by Utahn Marshall Thompson, an Iraq War Vet who walked across Utah to tell his story. His film will be followed by a panel discussion including Thompson, Kim Sprangunde of Military Families Speak Out and Andy Figorski of Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace.
Local musicians Gary Stoddard, Slick Rock Gypsies, Andy Monaco, Rich Wyman, Ric Shirett, and Leo’s Ego will provide continuous live music on the plaza just outside the library.

More information: info@imaginepeacefest.org or 801-631-2998
http://www.imaginepeacefest.org

2008 Schedule of Events
Saturday, September 20, 2008 12:00 noon: Opening – Amphitheater, Plaza at Library Square, Salt Lake City
NOTE: The

Eyes Wide Open Exhibit: The Human Cost of War
will be on display for the duration of the Imagine Peacefest event.
The exhibit is provided by Cache Valley Peaceworks and the American Friends Service Committee. Downstairs in Library
noon to 5:00pm ~ Art Display
Meeting Rooms A and B sponsored by Blue Sky Institute
Peace Story Time for Children at 2:00pm in the Art Display Room of these books
(Readers provided by student members of Westminster College Roots and Shoots)

and
4th floor conference room
12:15pm

June 2008
Dear Friends
I founded Peace One Day in 1999 to document my efforts to create an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence with a fixed calendar date. In 2001, POD achieved its primary objective. United Nations General Assembly resolution (A/Res/55/282) was unanimously adopted by UN member states, formally establishing an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence on the UN International Day of Peace, fixed in the global calendar on 21 September – Peace Day.
With the Day in place, POD’s main aim is to raise awareness of Peace Day 21 September. POD is a non-profit organisation, impartial and independent of any government, political persuasion, corporation or religious creed.
In 2007 according to the UN, over 100 million people were active on Peace Day, in 192 countries. There were life-saving initiatives in 14 countries, and over 80 activities in Afghanistan alone where 1.4 million children were vaccinated against polio.
I hope you’ll make your own commitment for Peace Day. By working together there will be Peace One Day. We look forward to hearing from you.
With thanks and best wishes
In peace
Jeremy Gilley
View the Trailer 2:00pm

When Army journalist Marshall Thompson came home from a tour of duty in Iraq, two things were clear to him â€“ the war is wrong and he needed to do something to stop it. Marshall sets off on foot to walk the entire 500-mile length of his conservative home state of Utah in the hopes of getting people talking about war and peace. All along his 27-day journey, Marshall meets other peace-minded Utahans, as well as those who vehemently oppose the idea of a solider calling for an end to war. No matter what your views are on the War in Iraq, A Soldierâ€™s Peace will leave you with something to think about.
Directed by Kristen and Marshall Thompson
Film will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Army journalist Marshall Thompson, filmmaker, Andy Figorsk of Veterans for Peace, and Kim Sprangunde of Military Families Speak out. Outdoor Plaza
Tabling, music (in the amphitheater), children’s activities, information