BUSINESSES and individuals doing special Kentish things are being urged to display their wares and skills at a great American show.

Craftspeople, and food and drink producers are among a range of specialists targeted by the Smithsonian Festival being held in Washington, DC in 2007.

Festival directors will be in Kent next month to talk to potential participants.

Kent County Council is hosting an event at Lympne Castle on November 2 to give interested individuals and firms a chance to meet them and find out more about Kent’s involvement.

Cllr Alex King, Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, urged businesses to take part.

He said: "England has never featured in the festival, neither has a county, and this is a unique opportunity for Kent."

Cllr King said they would be particularly interested in meeting people who currently practice traditional crafts and trades or produce Kentish items.

"Some individual places at the festival will be fully funded, with honorariums paid, but we are also seeking partners from organisations that may wish to promote themselves on an international stage."

In June, Kent and Virginia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote social and business links. This invitation is a direct result of that accord.

The festival takes place in the 10 days leading up to July 4 and attracts around a million visitors.

It is the largest annual cultural event in the United States’ capital and generates considerable media exposure. Publicity and reports are said to reach 40 million readers and viewers through print and electronic media.

To attend the seminar, email J2007BC@kent.gov.uk or telephone 08458 247600. For more details, visit www.folklife.si.edu.