The 2nd annual Naperville Halal Fest, organized by the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Saturday, Aug. 3, at Frontier Park from 11 am to 9 pm.
Featuring food vendors, live entertainment, and games for kids, the event promises a joyous celebration for all ages.
“This is open for all. There will be something to entertain all age groups and all backgrounds,” chamber President Shafeek Abubaker told Chicago Tribune.
“When we do an event in Naperville, people have expectations. We tried our best to support that,” he said.
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With over 10,000 attendees last year, Abubaker expects an even larger crowd, drawn by diverse cuisines and cultural experiences.
Besides family fun, he sees the event as a way to “celebrate our American identity.”
“We’re from different parts of the world, but at the end of the day, we are all Americans,” Abubaker said. “(We can) learn about how much we have in common.
“We believe by coming together, we can foster understanding, celebrate diversity, and strengthen our community,” he added.
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Similar events usually bring people together, sharing food and conversation.
Last year, the North Carolina Muslim Festival brought hundreds of people together to build bridges with community members.
In December, 2022, the Islamic center of Cambridge, Ontario, invited neighbors for a fun night of games, gifts, prizes and more in the annual Family Fun Night.
Also in Greater Lansing, the Islamic center hosted Salaam Peace Festival to bring different cultures together through exhibits and food.