THE FESTIVAL IN BRIEF : Children of Bali Bid Farewell at Rosemont

The Children of Bali danced through its final performance at Rosemont Avenue Elementary in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday. The 22-children troupe in traditional costumes culminated L.A. Festival appearances at the school to honor an exchange program they had with the second and fifth grade students. The host students presented their farewell gift to the Balinese children: a shadow puppet show, a rendition of “This Land is Your Land” and a demonstration of square dancing. “After they leave I’ll still remember everything they did, and everything we did for them,” said 10-year-old Rosemont student David Guanzon. The local school--composed of 75% Latino students have spent the past three months learning Balinese culture and language. Children of Bali will continue its first U.S. tour in New Jersey.

Celebrities Will Roll Out Welcome Mat

Some local celebrities will mingle with the stars from far-off places at the festival this weekend. On Saturday at noon, Betty Thomas, known for her role on “Hill Street Blues” will welcome festival-goers to the Santa Monica Pier. She’ll then introduce The Bread and Puppet Theater in their last outdoor performance for the festival. And at 2 p.m. on Sunday, actress Marla Gibbs will host events at the pier. Additional film and TV stars are expected to participate.

Cambodian Book Project Launched

A Cambodian Book Project to aid the University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh, desperately in need of art books and the home of the Cambodian Classical Dance Troupe has been launched by festival staffers. Books in English, French or Khmer on arts and literary subjects may be dropped off at the Festival Artists’ Village at UCLA, Descanso Gardens or the L.A. State and County Arboretum (where the Cambodian Troupe performs tonight through Sunday.)

Bon Dancers to Celebrate Anniversary

The mayor of Munihiro will lead the Gujo Hachiman Bon Dancers and Musicians in a procession celebrating the 400th anniversary of Japanese obon dance Friday in Little Tokyo and Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. on Santa Monica Pier. Gujo Hachiman members, from the Gifu Prefecture in Central Japan will pass out lanterns and happi coats to participants in the gift-giving tradition.