14th Arab International Festival A Huge Success
The Ferris Wheel that hovered over Warren Avenue during the 14th Annual Arab International Festival has packed up and moved on. The proud Arab entrepreneurs who travelled from all over the country to sell their distinctive wares at the largest Arab-American street fair in our nation have returned home. The local eateries who provided some of the most beloved food all over the world including rolled pita sandwiches, Shawarma, tabouli, hummous and baklava have returned to their establishments. Some of the international acts have returned to their native countries. Nonetheless, the festival certainly reminds all of us why we are so proud to be from Michigan.
On behalf of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce with its presenting partner Ford Motor Company, and in cooperation with the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, the Lebanese American Heritage Club, and the City of Dearborn we would like to thank all of our corporate, community and media sponsors who have joined us in celebrating one of Michigan’s ethnic treasures.
Over a quarter-of-a-million people from across the country and Canada continue to make it a planned family vacation to celebrate our proud heritage. Patrons enjoyed Middle-Eastern food, music, dance and warm hospitality. There certainly was something for everyone including live music, dance, children’s tent, artisans and food vendors and of course the large Ferris wheel that loomed over East Dearborn. For the past 10-years, over 200 volunteers from Impact International, a group dedicated to cultural understanding, travels from the South for no other purpose but to volunteer and support the festival and community. Highlights of the Arab festival include the opening ceremony ribbon cutting which included State Senator Irma Clarke Coleman, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, and Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly among the many others.
The festival even attracted local, national and international press. There were over 600,000 hits leading up to the festival. Media attention included You Tube, Forbes, MSNBC, Yahoo, USA Today and locally Channels 2, 4, 7, Comcast Cable, Detroit News, Detroit Free Press and Metro Times, just to me a few. Imagine a festival beamed around the country and the world via satellite on international channels like MBN and ART. Our appreciation also goes out to the local Arab media who continue to give us great coverage.
Lastly, the festival organizers are well aware of the sacrifices the local businesses and neighborhoods make year-after-year so that we can continue to enjoy this festive cultural celebration. We would like to thank all those that participated and contributed and each of you for making this festival an international success.
Next year marks our 15th Annual Arab International Festival and festival organizers are planning many special events with all of you in mind. Thank you and see you next year!