'Everybody's Welcome:' Naperville To Host First Halal Fest

NAPERVILLE, IL — "Everybody's welcome" to indulge in halal food from around the globe and to learn more about Muslim culture and customs when Naperville hosts it's first-ever Halal Fest, Shafeek Abubaker, President of the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce told Patch.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the Aug. 5 event, which will feature Chicagoland vendors offering food from India, Pakistan, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkey and other countries from around the globe.

“This event aims to celebrate the vibrant Muslim lifestyles and cultural diversity of the Naperville and Greater Chicagoland area," Abubaker told Patch.

In addition to nearly two dozen food vendors, Halal Fest will also feature live music, merchandise vendors, a kids' area and other activities.

"With a focus on highlighting rich traditions, values, and authentic cuisine, this event promises a joyous celebration for all ages," Abubaker said.

Below is a list of some of the key vendors that will be serving up food at Halal Fest.

• Arzo Cafe, offering Central Asian eats
• A Thousand Tales, serving Turkish cuisine
• Bundoo Khan, offering Pakistani eats
• Paddi House, serving up Indonesian favorites
• Pita Zone, tempting palates with Mediterranean eats
• Saras Grill, specializing in Indo-Pakistani cuisine

Imported clothing, jewelry, art and other items will be available for purchase, as will paper kites handmade in Pakistan. Abubaker said children will have a chance to buy and fly their own paper kite, a popular tradition in Pakistan and India.

With the purchase of tickets, children can also ride ponies and camels, make crafts, play in bounce houses and watch kid-friendly entertainment that starts at 1 p.m. and includes:

• Storytelling
• Drum performance featuring Palestinian children
• Zeeshan and Rafi performing Junoon music
• Taekwondo demonstration

At 5 p.m., Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli will join dignitaries from around the world to celebrate the festival and give awards to local business owners courtesy of the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce.

The ceremony will be followed by more cultural performances:

• Turkish music performed by a father and daughter duo
• Zeeshan and Rafi performing Junoon music
• Ronnie Malley/ Turath Ensemble performing Arabian music
• Al Hurriyah Dabke performing traditional Palestinian Dabke Dance

Abubaker, a Naperville resident, said he and the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce chose Naperville for its "beautiful setting," business-friendly atmosphere and "growing Muslim community."

Since the event's inception, Abubaker said dozens of partners have signed on in support to help spread the word including the NAACP.

He told Patch he hopes Halal Fest will help strengthen local businesses "in and out of the Islamic community."

He hopes this inaugural Halal Fest will set the stage for more community and deeper understanding and start a new tradition in Naperville.

Abubaker reiterated that there will be something to sate nearly every palate and plenty of entertainment options. He said, "We want to welcome everybody."