An estimated 260,000 people attended the 14th Annual Arab International Festival on Warren Avenue in Dearborn last weekend to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Arab culture.

An elderly vendor sells worry beads during the Dearborn Arab International Festival on June 19. PHOTOS: Natasha Dado/TAAN

The number was down from an estimated 300,000 people last year, a stat that Fay Beydoun, executive director of the event’s organizer, the Arab American Chamber of Commerce, attributed to wet weather last Friday, along with the current economic climate.
The event, sponsored by Ford, the city of Dearborn, and the Lebanese American Heritage Club and ACCESS, among others, featured over 40 crafts vendors, 17 food vendors, and 45 non-profit information tables over 14 blocks on Warren.

Several more Arab American and other festivals across the region are scheduled throughout the summer.

Comerica Cityfest 2009 opens in Detroit’s New Center area on July 1, through next weekend. The free outdoor festival offers music, food and culture galore.

“Stroll the boulevard and grab a snack of grape leaves or fill your appetite with a chicken shawarma sandwich,” read a press release on the event.

Formerly known as Tastefest, the event features area eateries, including Middle Eastern restaurants Skewers House of Kabob and Motown Kabob. Well-known musical acts like De La Soul and Buddy Guy are set to perform.

Visit www.comericacityfest.com for more.

Livonia’s annual Spree festival runs through June 28. Visit www.livoniaspree.com for information.

Keep up with The Arab American News’ community calendar in print and online for details on upcoming festivals.