Muslim Funfest Hoping to Make History With 10,000 Carnival Goers Written by Muslim Link Staff Wednesday, 11 May 2011 15:44
The annual Muslim Funfest carnival is set to make history as the largest Muslim outdoor carnival ever held in the United States. Or at least that’s what organizers hope. On Saturday, May 28, 2011, organizers are expecting over 10,000 Muslims from the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan region and hundreds from Pennsylvania and Delaware to spend a day at scenic High Point farm in Clarksburg, Maryland, the site of the previous three carnivals, all held Memorial Day weekend. “We’ve added several more high capacity mechanical rides this year in response to feedback about long lines for the rides,” said organizer Zafer Eroglu. “We’ve also re-organized the food stall area to make taking and processing orders faster for our guests Insha’Allah.” The annual carnival attracted over 7,000 people last year , and organizers sent out surveys after the event, making sure to incorporate the feedback into planning for the 2011 carnival. Organized by the Muslim Link newspaper, the event is being sponsored by around 50 organizations including most masajid in the DC region. “The carnival is part of our mission to link the Muslim communities together. Families need a day to unwind and enjoy the spring weather [and] reconnect with friends all in a wholesome, Islamic environment. [Muslim Funfest] is really a day to appreciate one another for the sake of Allah,” explained Minhaj Hasan, editor of the Muslim Link. Notable this year are two airborne rides – a hot air balloon and a small helicopter. The hot air balloon will be tethered to the ground and rise close to 100 feet to give riders a nice view of the farm. The helicopter is a four-seater and will take riders on a 5-minute trip around the farm at a cost of $45 per seat. Both airborne rides require reservations before the event at www.muslimfunfest.co m . “How often will you be able to ride in a helicopter with your children?” asked organizer Jameel Khan. “We’re hoping parents who can afford it take this opportunity. It is a bit pricey, but renting [the helicopter] is also pretty expensive for our non-profit carnival,” he added. All of the proceeds go towards supporting the Muslim Link newspaper, a non-profit project which depends on donations for over 50% of its operating expenses. There are no entry or parking fees for the carnival, and families are welcome to bring their
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Muslim Funfest Hoping to Make History With 10,000 Carnival Goers Written by Muslim Link Staff Wednesday, 11 May 2011 15:44
blankets and sun shades and spend time with their fellow Muslims. A bazaar with over 80 vendors, foods representing different ethnicities, and an Arabian Camel ride are also a part of Muslim Funfest 2011. -------------------------------
For more information, visit www.muslimfunfest.com . Visit the Muslim FunFest Facebook page: Click Here RSVP on Facebook at Click Here
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