The Muslim community is reaching out to what has been a very welcoming Naperville community for what promises to be a fun-filled day.
The 2nd annual Naperville Halal Fest will be held from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Frontier Park.
Presented by the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce, the festival will have food vendors, live entertainment and games for kids.
It promises to be, according to a news release, “a joyous celebration for all ages.”
It certainly was well-attended in 2023.
Last year’s debut event attracted more than 10,000 people, chamber President Shafeek Abubaker said. He expects an even larger turnout Saturday.
Ali and Ayesgul Yimaz perform at debut of Naperville Halal Fest, held Aug. 5, 2023, in Frontier Park. This year it will be held Saturday at the same location. (Giles Bruce/Naperville Sun)
“There are multiple reasons. You learn about the culture, the cooking, the art,” he said.
Don’t forget eating well.
“That is the primary attraction, the food,” Abubaker said.
Middle Easter, African, Turkish and Thai cuisine, along with standard American fare like hot dogs, are among the tasty treats that will be available for purchase.
A growing Muslim population in the area is one reason why he expects a big turnout. But the festival is not just for Muslims.
“This is open for all. There will be something to entertain all age groups and all backgrounds,” Abubaker, 50, of Naperville, said.
“When we do an event in Naperville, people have expectations. We tried our best to support that,” he said.
Besides family fun, he sees the event as a way to “celebrate our American identity.”
“We’re from different parts of the world, but at the end of the day, we are all Americans,” Abubaker said. “(We can) learn about how much we have in common.”
He noted the number of Black and Hispanic Muslims is increasing each year.
In an email promoting the event, Abubaker wrote: “We believe by coming together, we can foster understanding, celebrate diversity, and strengthen our community.”
Asked about that comment, he said, “It’s true, very true.”
Several thousand people attended the inaugural Naperville Halal Fest Aug. 5, 2023, at Frontier Park in Naperville. (Giles Bruce/Naperville Sun)
“The primary purpose is not to show how different we are, but how similar we are. That is the whole point. This is the place we call home,” he said.
As a whole, he finds Naperville quite accepting of the Muslim community.
“Absolutely, yes. Naperville has always been a welcoming place, in my opinion. The Islamic Center of Naperville is one of the founding members of the Naperville Interfaith Leaders Association,” Abubaker said.
Tickets to the event are $7 per person, age 5 and older. Large groups get a deal, $50 for 10 tickets.
For more information about the festival, go to www.ilmchamber.org.
Steve Metsch is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
