Explore ancient and modern Persian cultures at Safeco Insurance Festál: Iranian Festival, June 20, 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., in Center House at Seattle Center. This new addition to the Safeco Insurance Festal roster features a melting pot of experiences as it unites a multifaceted community - young and old from all walks of life.

The region's premier Iranian cultural event offers a full afternoon of festivities and an evening of celebration. Music and dance performances, Persian New Year and holiday displays, poetry, food and libation, puppet shows, face painting and a photography exhibit provide a glimpse into this rich and diverse culture.

Special guests and activities this year include:

• Rumi poetry readings, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Alast - traditional Persian music, 12 noon and 6 p.m.
• Rick Steves - Iran viewings, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
• Delshodeh Dance Ensemble, 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• More That Unites -photography exhibit, all day
• Persian Tea House - authentic tea and sweets, all day

Did you know? On September 18, 2006, Anousheh Ansari became the first female private space explorer and the first astronaut of Iranian descent. Ansari immigrated to the United States as a teenager who did not speak English. She earned a bachelor's degree in electronics and computer engineering and a master's degree in electrical engineering. She and her family provided a $10 million sponsorship to launch a reusable manned spacecraft into space. She is known as a prolific entrepreneur and has been honored for her efforts to foster space exploration. She currently works to enable social entrepreneurs to bring about radical change globally.

Join us at Safeco Insurance Festál and become a culture carrier (someone who contributes to cultural understanding through the sharing of stories, songs, music, food and family traditions). This festival is produced by Seattle Center in partnership with the Iranian American Community Alliance. For more information on Safeco Insurance Festál and other Seattle Center programming, click on www.seattlecenter.com.