Muslims plan cultural fest

As Utahns celebrate the pioneering spirit of immigrants to the Beehive State today, pioneers in the local Muslim community are contemplating a festival of their own next weekend.

The second annual Salt Lake American Muslim Cultural Festival will give not only Muslims but those from a variety of ethnicities and cultures the chance to mingle and learn more about each other, according to organizer Ghulam Hasnain. Set for July 31 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gallivan Center, the free festival will feature speeches by local community leaders, along with food, entertainment and a variety of arts and crafts for sale.

Hasnain emphasized the festival is not a "religious or proselytizing event," but focuses on Islamic culture as its basis. In addition to a keynote address by Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, Hasnain has invited community leaders from a variety of ethnic groups including Latin American, African-American, Jewish and American Indian to give a short message of peace at the event.

He and other organizers are "proud to be American Muslims," but they realize theirs is not the only ethnic group to face challenges or to feel targeted by others in some way. "We want anyone who has felt that way to be included here. They are our No. 1 priority, and we welcome them," he said.