On August 11, 2018, the 6th Annual Food Fest happened at the Islamic Society of Baltimore (ISB). Drawing in thousands from the DMV area, as well as some attendees from Delaware, New Jersey, and New York, foodies gathered for an all-day event to enjoy the many halal offerings of the area.
Event organizers made it quite clear that while held at ISB, the food fest is actually meant to raise funds for the Al-Rahmah School Education Trust. All of the proceeds went towards the non-profit, and this year they were quite fortunate in the amount raised.
Naveed Ahmed, who worked on the promotion and outreach for food fest, was quite proud about the fact that ticket sales and attendance had increased from the previous years.
For this year’s food fest, it was all about increase, from attendees to sponsors. At least fifty sponsors had donated anywhere from a hundred dollars to thousands, alleviating the worry of reimbursement and fundraising for the year. Some of the sponsors included: the Burma Task Force, Helping Hand, CAIR, and the ACLU.
Ahmed Tori, ISB’s president, explained the food fest as, “an opportunity to get a taste of the wide range of halal items in the area, as well as supporting the local businesses.”
“It was really a chance for those participants to be seen as more relatable in an unconventional way, since you usually don’t expect it for scholars and sheikhs.” Tori, as well as Qari Muhammad Zahid, the director of the hifzh program and many others, were participants in the dunk tank. According to both Tori and Ahmed, the dunk tank was a great success, where those being dunked were as enthusiastic as the guests.
With thousands of community members in attendance, shuttles could be found helping with getting guests to all of the food selections. While typically the food vendors are from within the DMV community, this year, organizers had vendors requesting to attend, even one who had driven all the way from Michigan!
About thirty food vendors, sixty bazaar vendors, a dunk tank, and comedy show were featured at this year’s event, as well as, face painting, henna, and moon bounces. Those attendees visiting from outside the area, and even some from within, were thoroughly impressed with all of the halal options available in the DMV.
Jeremy McLellan, a well-known comedian amongst the Muslim community, performed two show sets. Both sets were hits with the crowd and simply allowed for another opportunity for the non-Muslim attendees to equally enjoy themselves. “He isn’t Muslim (yet), but he can still relate to Muslims and non-Muslims with his material,” joked Tori. In comparison to years past, there were a significant number of non Muslims present who greatly enjoyed themselves. For next year, event organizers are already considering how to further invite more members of the local churches, synagogues, and temples, in a continuous display of unity.
“This was one of the best food fests that we have had and we look forward to many more.” Ultimately, the food fest was a great success and many are excited for the future events. In the next year, ISB will be celebrating its 50th anniversary and hopefully other great events like the food fest will be available in following years as commemoration.
Comments powered by CComment