Brief History of Bon Om Tuk…

In Cambodian (Khmer) Bon Om Tuk literally means the festival of boat races. It has a long interwoven history and connection with religious legends and Cambodian navy practices as part of military preparedness for invasions from her neighboring countries. It was held annually at the Chaktomuk River in front of the Royal Palace in the Capital City of Cambodia, Phnom Pehn.

Long after, civilians picked up this tradition and converted it into a well-known, favorite competitive sport, i.e., Pranang Tuk or boat races that drew thousands of spectators from across the country. They celebrate this event annually from late October until early of November when the water revolves from Tunlae Sap river and levels off.

There are a bunch of activities happening at the same time beside boat races, namely Awk Ambok (eating flatten sticky rice with coconut juice and banana), Sampeah Preah Khae (worshiping the moon), and Bandaet Pratip (floating the lights). Having done the 2nd part of the event make Cambodians feel that they had kept the promise to give thanks to the mother earth, especially the Mekong river that brought plenty of water and fertile soil to their fields. Moreover, since the majority of Cambodians are Buddhists, they made a connection between Buddhist legends to the 2nd part of the event.

Similar festivals are seen celebrated in Cambodia's neighboring countries, such as Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, ...

This years event…

August 19th, 2006 – With an approved proclamation by Tacoma’s Mayor Bill Baasma, the third Saturday of August is officially the day marked for the Asian Water Festival.

This year, more than 10,000 locals and visiting residents of Oregon, Washington, California, Canada, and as far away as Cambodia attended this event at Tacoma’s Thea Park. An event promoting unity and friendship among people from different ethnic backgrounds: including Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Columbia, and the Philippines. Not to mention many non-Asian Americans wanting to experience Asia’s various cultures and traditions seen through the food, the graceful display of traditional dances, and many personalities from each representing ethnic backgrounds. Truly a memorable moment of great pride. Honoring us at the event were:

• Senator Rosa Franklin – Washington State Senator
• Senator Debi Regonna – Washington State Senator
• Mayor Bill Baasma – Mayor of Tacoma
• Ms. Allen Abellera – Executive Director of Governor, Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs

With Special guest appearances from:
• Clement Corbiell – Head Coach of TDBA – www.tacomadragonboat.org
• Wendall Stroud – Owner of Marine Float Dock
• Lianna S. Collinge – Foss Water Way Association
• Clare Petrich – Petrich Marine Doce
• Chen Jimmy – Chenco Company

Many thanks…

First and foremost, thank you to the CASNET volunteers who because of them, this event would have been difficult and unlikely to succeed as it did.

For those who have been “volunteers” for any event, they will understand that organizing events can be emotionally, physically, as well as financially draining. Even for events as small as birthday parties or high school reunions. And for an event attracting more than 10,000 people, for a team of passionate and NON-PAID volunteers, it truly is an amazing accomplishment that is worthy of much respect. Sleep deprived, lost of appetite, blood, sweat, and even tears involved. But when the results and the cause are so great, those personal sacrifices seem to be worth every bit. A salute to each and every volunteer for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to a worthy cause.

Secondly, a big thank you to the following sponsors for helping to make this event possible. These sponsors deserve an applause for their support financially, as well as providing a venue for this event. Namely, the following sponsors:
• Western Union – www.westernunion.com
• Tacoma Dragon Boat Association – www.tacomadragonboat.org
• Khmer Community of Seattle-King County
• Red Wind Casino
• Rising Dragon Casino
• Cambodian-American Community of Oregon – www.CACOregon.org
• Lao Community Service Office
• American Dream Financial, Inc.
• A+ Mortgage, Inc.
• Asian Counseling and Referral Services (ACRS)
• Real Estate USA (RE*USA)
• The Bahai of Tacoma
• Soeu Siem from Prudential
• Marine Floats
• Paula Suy-Dom of State Farm
• Northwest Casino School
• Dr. Suntha Hay, CD
• OumCAD, LLC – www.oumcad.com
• Kimhorn K Heng Income Tax Services

Important Notes:
With special permission from Mr. Daran Kravanh, president of CASNET, I (Chanly Bob / Volunteer Cameraman/Webmaster) share these pictures from the 2006 Asian American Water festival held at Thea's park Tacoma Washington held on August 19th, 2006 to the general public. These pictures from the 2006 Water Festival is a reflection of the hard work by all the volunteers who willingly contributed in time, as well as personal donations to make this event a success.

These pictures are rightfully owned by CASNET and any all pictures downloaded from this site must NOT be used in any promotional products that are not rightfully CASNET, unless CASNET grants permission to you or your organization to use in your promotional product and/or materials. If you have any questions and issues downloading these pictures, please send your comments to chanlybob@CACOregon.org.

Thank you and enjoy the pictures!

CASNET Staff and Volunteers