Muslims Enjoy First Family Fair

June 18, 2007

Author: John Chadwick

Source: The Herald

http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk3MTU0MDcyJnlyaXJ5N2Y3MTdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5Mg==

The hundreds of Muslims who packed a Teaneck park on Sunday weren't celebrating an Islamic holy day.

They had a decidedly secular agenda: fun.

The first Muslim Family Fair in Bergen County included a moonwalk and a giant slide, games of cricket and volleyball, and an indoor market where merchants hawked clothing and jewelry.

Even the cartoon character Spongebob Squarepants made an appearance, drawing bunches of children who pulled along their moms clad in Islamic head scarves.

Community leaders said the gathering at Votee Park was aimed at bringing together the growing Muslim community in Bergen County for something other than religious purposes.