Hawzah News Agency (Desoto Lakes community, USA) - More than 700 guests took in the cultural sights and tastes Saturday, December ۱۷, at the third annual Islamic Society of Sarasota and Bradenton (ISSB) International Food and Crafts Festival.
The free, cultural event featured dozens of food vendors showcasing foods from all over the world for attendees to enjoy along with unique and cultural crafts and art work.
Families and children wandered the festival Saturday in search of fun things to do and see, but two large camels in the kids' zone were a must see. The festival featured the live animals, one of the new additions from previous years, which were rented from the Myakka City-based Zerbini Family Circus.
Approximately 35 volunteers worked for weeks to deploy the third annual event, which has gained popularity since it began in 2013. Co-organizer Amani Makarita is happy to see the event move forward.
"It's growing," she said. "We started this initially thinking that we need to invite the community to see the mosque. We've always done community outreach and given information but we wanted residents to enjoy our culture in a relaxed environment."
The Muslim place of worship in the Desoto Lakes community gave tours throughout the day to all those interested in learning more. Makarita wants everyone to feel a part of the Muslim community.
Sarasota residents Linda Koser and Joe DeFrank spent a few hours at the festival after Koser's ophthalmologist invited her and her husband to stop by at her last eye appointment.
"I heard about it through my doctor, so we wanted to see what it was all about," said Koser. "It is wonderful. The tour of the mosque was no less than what I expected - everyone was so respectful and kind. The Egyptian dish was absolutely incredible."
Children sing a traditional Islamic song at the Islamic Society of Sarasota and Bradenton Saturday afternoon.
Makarita invites the community to learn more about the Muslims in the area and hopes the event continues to grow. "We want everyone to lose the fear they might have. We are just humans; we share this world and want everyone to be a part of ours."
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