The first of its kind in B.C., the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society of Prince George is hosting a fundraising banquet, Arabian Nights, Friday, April 19 at the Coast Inn of the North.
"We feel the Islamic community is the fastest growing new community in our city and it's a very vital and professional community and we have many students from Saudi Arabia," said Baljit Sethi, executive director of the IMSS of Prince George. "We always celebrate Taste of India and Chinese New Year and we thought maybe this year we should introduce a celebration for people who are not only middle eastern but also Islamic people. We felt we should celebrate the cultural aspect, not the religious aspect. Guests will have a real taste of middle eastern food, entertainment and decor."
There's a lot of interest about what's on the menu.
"We are having a definite middle eastern flavour for the menu with a Mediterranean theme," said Baljit Sethi, executive director of the IMSS of Prince George, who consulted with middle eastern people to make sure they were on target. There is a selection of salads and spreads, including hummus, tzatziki and tabouleh, along with beef and chicken kebabs that are halal, which means they are permitted by Islamic law, Sethi explained.
"We'll have falafel and roasted vegetables, basmati rice and for dessert there will be almond rice pudding and baklava," Sethi said, mentioning just a few items on the menu. "We've taken instruction on it and everything will be properly prepared."
The entertainment will be a culturally lively variety, including the Tambura Rasa Band, belly dancers Yasmina and Adalat, dancer Karen Flamenco, as well as magician William Bruens.
"We thought if we're going to do this, do it in style," laughed Sethi. "I personally feel that in every community there are so many cultures and everybody has a different way of celebrating as there is so much diversity in a community. Not everybody likes the same thing but that is the variety of life. When someone wants to show you a different culture you should be happy to see it. We thought we should welcome international students and it gives them a good feeling and it gives us a good feeling to receive them. So I thought this would be a gesture to say that we love you and that we are happy that you are in our community. Culturally and economically they contribute to the community and we want to celebrate their culture together."
Tickets are $75 + HST by calling 250-562-2900 or e-mail [email protected].
For more information visit the Facebook page Arabian Night Event Prince George.
