Festival 2002 opening ceremonies opened on Friday June 28th at 5pm VRT, with inspiring words from Young Shamus, "In seven years we have gone from a single world and a dozen people to multiple universes, hosting thousands of worlds, with tens of thousands of citizens." he went on to say.. "While we have made these tools over the past seven years, it is you the citizens who use those tools that make Active Worlds an interesting place to visit." Also in attendance, to show their support of this amazing Community, E N Z O, Calpantera, and 9 9 9. And of course.. most importantly, so many of you were there to kick off the Celebration and make it a true Community affair!

The excitement only built throughout festival.. 70+ citizens anxiously awaited for closing ceremonies to begin at 6pm VRT on Sunday June 30th. At one point AWCC world held 101 avatars! Guest speakers during the closing ceremony included Alpengeist, Mountain Myst, Alpha Bit Phalpha. Young Shamus returned with a surprise.. a special sneak preview of 3.4 in its beta stages.

AWEC plans to continue with these fun events through out the year! So keep an eye on the AWEC Calendar at http://www.awcommunity.org/awec/ . If you have an event you would like to have AWEC sponsor or put on the calendar, please email us at awec@awcommunity.org. Let's keep up the outstanding work!

In addition, AWEC is proud to announce the new AWEC awards, which will recognize Event hosts for their outstanding performance and participation through out the year. There will be several categories. Event of the Year, Special Recognition in Special Events just to name a few.

Again.. we at AWEC would like to thank you ALL for making this a Festival to remember. It would simply not be possible with out YOU, the Community! Congratulations to you ALL!

-The Staff at AWEC