The first Eid Festival was held on Sunday, Sep. 12 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. According to Khodr Hamka, an Eid Festival committee member, an estimated 5,000 people attended the event, which took place at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn. The festival was held in celebration of Eid al-Fitr, and included attractions such as rides, a talent show, and a number of tournaments including basketball and ping-pong. All proceeds went to support student scholarships.  Hamka said the city worked well with festival organizers and had no problems. Organizers expected about half of the 5,000 people who attended but were prepared for more just in case.  The festival committee worked with various organizations including Islamic centers within Dearborn, Troy, Sterling Heights and Toledo to help organize the event, which was put on with the help of about 200 volunteers. Representatives from the Iraqi, Lebanese, Pakistani, Afgani and Iranian communities all helped to plan the event, which Hamka said is expected to become an annual tradition. The committee is still deciding on a location for next year’s festival. For more information on the event, visit www.eidfestival.org.