Water is life. is the theme of the city's eighth annual Southeast Asian Water Festival, scheduled for Saturday Aug. 21 along the scenic banks of the Merrimack River in the Lowell Heritage State Park.

Yesterday, during a press conference, Mayor Armand Mercier said the theme also could relate to Lowell, which has relied upon the Merrimack for its well-being throughout its history. "Water is life as it relates to the Southeast Asians, but it also is true as it relates to the city of Lowell," he said.

Lowell's water festival is modeled after celebrations held in Cambodia and other Southeast Asian nations, traditionally in November, to commemorate the finish of their harvest season. It is the largest of its kind in the United States.

"This festival has always been the heart and soul of the Asian community in Lowell," said City Councilor Rithy Uong. "It's a great thing for us to share our traditions and cultures, for all the people to know them."

Last year, the event featured 22 acts and drew more than 50,000 visitors from all around the world to watch the Cambodian dragon boat races, the festival's highlight, and patronize the vendors who filled the boardwalk along the Merrimack's northern banks to sell their CDs, clothing, artwork and homemade cuisine.

This year's festival will run from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. In a first, it will be preceded by a "Floating Candles & Pre-Event Ceremony" outside Middlesex Community College downtown. Featuring traditional dance, music, art exhibits, international foods and the floating candles ceremony, that event will be held on Aug. 20 from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Also a first are the post- event free film showings at a location to be announced at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Aug. 21. Films to be shown include Belonging, about a young woman's journey to her homeland after many years of separation, and Reja Borie, about preserving Cambodian arts.

Visit http://www.lowellwaterfestival.org/ or call 978-596-1013 for more information.