Performers, exhibitors and food vendors from Middle East and North Africa needed for upcoming Culture Fest

Columbia Association (CA) will co-host a festival this spring celebrating the cultures of North Africa and the Middle East — and performers and exhibitors are needed.

The North Africa and Middle East Culture Fest will be held on Sunday, May 18, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Howard County Library System’s Miller Branch, which is located at 9421 Frederick Road in Ellicott City. The festival is a collaboration between CA and the Howard County Library System, and it is a great place for individuals, organizations, musicians, dancers and other performers to share their culture.

Restaurant vendors from the highlighted countries — Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen — are also needed to provide snacks and refreshments.

At this free event, people are invited to educate the Howard County community about what makes their countries and cultures unique. The goal is to offer an afternoon full of entertaining cultural demonstrations, music, dance, food, displays and enlightening presentations related to secular arts and culture. Exhibitors may not sell items or services, and there will be no payment for performances. Photos will be taken at the event of exhibitors, performers and the audience. At the event, families will be able to pick up a “Culture Café Passport” and complete it for door prizes by visiting exhibitors’ tables.

Interested parties should contact Laura Smit, program manager for CA’s International Exchange and Multicultural Programs, by calling 410-715-3162 or sending an email to International@ColumbiaAssociation.org.