This Weekend: The 2nd Annual Somali-American Cultural Festival

Columbus, Ohio – June 23, 2011 - Following in the tradition of the one previous festival, the second annual Somali-American Cultural Festival of Columbus, OH promises to delight all who attend. Scheduled for Friday, July 1st at Aladdin Shrine, the event will feature natives of Somalia presenting cultural exhibits, live performances, art exhibitions, interactive shows and ceremonies. The festival has been called a visual extravaganza for its colorful costumes and displays, and traditionally attracts more than 3,000 attendants from the Somalis, other African communities in Central Ohio and beyond.The Somali Cultural Festival of Columbus is free to attend in the evening from 6:00-12:00pm. Children will enjoy the workshops, craft demonstrations and entertainment geared especially to them. Adults will appreciate the multicultural performances and cultural exhibits from several different regions. Included will be corporate displays and vendor tables, Somali market, and food sampling. Throughout the evening there will periodic drawings for raffle prizes for all ages. Also, the evening program from 6-9pm will feature a stage performance by noted Somali artists, an awards ceremony, a VIP reception with Somali foods. There will be a small entrance charge for all audience members to help defray the costs of the facility.The festival is organized by the Somali Women and Children’s Alliance, Somali Unified Youth and Somali Culture and Research Institute. The committee welcomes sponsors, advertisers, participants, vendors and volunteers to become involved in the July 1st event. Award nominees are also welcome. The nominee should be an individual of Somali extraction who has made a significant contribution to society at large in science, medicine, the arts, etc., or a non-Somali individual who has contributed significantly toward fostering awareness of Somali culture.Don’t miss the Second Annual Somali Cultural Festival on July 1 from 6:00 pm to 12:00 a the Aladdin Shrine Center, 3850 Stelzer Road, 43219. Don’t overlook this important, once a year, cultural event for your entire family. For more information call 614-473-9999.