If you ask anyone involved with Bermuda's participation in this summer's Smithsonian Folklife festival in Washington DC, the answer is unequivocally, yes.

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an annual event attracting millions of people, and for the last year, 20 local researchers have been gathering information on every aspect of Bermuda's history and culture.

The Smithsonian's website has information about the upcoming festival, where Bermuda will rub shoulders with New York City, and an exhibition entitled, Masters of the Building Arts.

Bermuda's promotion says: "Over one hundred Bermudians will share their living cultural heritage at the festival. Cup match cricketers and cooks, gardeners and beekeepers, cabinetmakers and house builders, gombey dancers and costume makers; story tellers and maritime artisans; community bands and church quartets. Through performances, skills demonstrations, conversations, hands-on educational activities and special events, Bermudians will illustrate the community culture that has sustained them.'' Community and Cultural Affairs Minister, Terry Lister was joined by those involved in putting together Bermuda's exhibition, entitled `Bermuda Connections' at a reception last night.

Bermuda's involvement in the festival is a huge undertaking involving hundreds of people, organisations and sponsors, and the benefits will last forever, as all research for the festival will be archived, and arranged into a curriculum to be taught in local schools.

The festival will be held on the Mall in Washington DC from June 27 to July 8.

To find out more information, visit the Smithsonian website at: www.folklife.si.edu.