(Clearwisdom.net) The NTDTV Chinese New Year Spectacular launched a global tour with a show at the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 4, 2008. Prior to the show, many political leaders, including US Congressional Representatives and local government officials, sent proclamations and greetings to the hosting organization. The media also covered the event. The wife of the Governor of Pennsylvania, initiator and current Chairman of Avenue of the Arts, Inc., Marjorie O. Rendell, congratulated the show in person. The mayor of Philadelphia, John F. Street, declared the first week of January 2008 as NTDTV Chinese New Year Spectacular Week.

At 6:00 p.m. on January 4, 2008, nearly one hundred prominent figures, political leaders, and media reporters gathered at the Doubletree Hotel to congratulate Divine Performing Arts on their five Philadelphia shows. The press conference was sponsored by Avenue of the Arts, Inc. and hosted by NBC10 TV host Denise Nakano.

Mr. Harry Kao, executive director of the Governor's Advisory Commission, read Governor Rendell's congratulatory letter, which expressed appreciation for Asian Americans contributing to traditional values in American families, communities, and education. He also wished everyone happiness, long lives and good luck in the Year of the Rat.

Ms. Marjorie O. Rendell (left), wife of the Governor of Pennsylvania, said that it was great to have the Chinese New Year Spectacular held in Philadelphia.

Annie Karl, administrative assistant to the Lieutenant Governor, brought the Lieutenant Governor's congratulatory letter. Carol Brooks, Manager of International Trade and Diplomatic Liaison for the City of Philadelphia, represented Mayor Street at the reception.

Mayor Street stated in the proclamation: "As the Chinese community welcomes the Year of the Rat, the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration is in full swing with traditional dance, song and symphony.

"The Chinese New Year Spectacular captures this tradition-rich culture dating back more than 5,000 years. This year the celebration is underway in 32 cities throughout our nation, marking one of the grandest and largest Spectacular events.

"Philadelphia is proud to host this traditional Chinese celebration, made possible through the efforts of New Tang Dynasty TV [...] committed to promoting cross-cultural ties and seeks to help Chinese people living outside of China to assimilate and adapt to their new mainstream societies.

"The efforts of NTDTV are vital to the understanding and preservation of cultures both new and old, and the Chinese New Year Spectacular embodies the spirit of pride and celebration for all in our city to enjoy.

"Therefore, I, John F. Street, Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, do hereby proclaim this first week of January 2008 as NTDTV Chinese New Year Spectacular Week in our city, and I extend warm New Year wishes to Philadelphia's integral Chinese-American community and urge all citizens to join in the celebration."

Mr. Kenneth Wong, Commissioner, President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, also participated in the press conference. He sent a congratulatory letter to the hosting organization before the event expressing his pride in having the Chinese New Year Spectacular held in Philadelphia and promoting Chinese-American cultural exchange and understanding.

Over the past several days, TV stations, radio stations and newspapers in Philadelphia have covered the show extensively. NBC10 TV and KYW carried news every day about the Spectacular. The largest newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer, The Bulletin, Courier Post, and Gloucester County Times all reported on the show.