Gil Riego Jr. / Roundup
Music, dancing and food were just some of the things that many people enjoyed at the Persian cultural Mehregan 2006 festival in Pierce College’s Swisher Park Sunday.
“This is a day everyone can see each other and smile,” said festival organizer Roberto Soofiani, 55.
With some of the profit of this event going to Pierce for a special scholarship, Soofiani said, “We want to bring the old tradition to the new generation.”
Other than music from the group Kolha, cultural dances from Beshkan Dance Academy and other live performances through the 12-hour festival, attendees had a multitude of other things to enjoy.
More than 50 booths ranging from furniture to clothing to food and ice cream sales filled the park.
“We spent over $2,000 on ice alone,” said Soofiani.
“We’re expecting a large turnout. If all goes well we’ll be back here next year.”
“We’re at roughly 750 people on the low end to 1,100 people on the high, said the fire marshal, ” reported head of staff Milton Jordan, 32. By 7 p.m. the crowd had tripled to roughly 3,000 people, according to Soofiani.
“I’ve worked with [Soofiani] before, but this is my first time at this event. Everyone is friendly and this is a culturally good atmosphere.”
“It looks very organized and wonderful,” said Esther Cohen, administrative secretary to the vice president.
“It’s a great way to give more diversity to our school,” she said.
Diversity was not just transmitted through the size of the event and the people who walked through the fence.
“Of all the people who attend, about 90 percent of them participate with us in some way,” said Soofiani
“It’s a wonderful cultural event that I’m proud to be a part of,” said dance teacher Sahel Amani, 30, of the Music and Art World.
The Music and Art World also provided a pumpkin painting booth for children to enjoy at the festival.
“I wish that Pierce has more of these kinds of events,” said Pierce biology major and teacher at the Music and Art World, Helia Boostani, 19.
“This is my first year in participating with this event, and I’ve always wanted to contribute to it. It’s exciting to finally be a part of it,” she said.
The celebration was not only limited to the Persian community. Everybody was welcome to join in the festivities.
Assyrian business management major David Thomas, 19, called the event “culturally exciting.”
“I’ve been to the Persian New Year celebration at Balboa Park and I think that it’s all so great. I especially love all the food,” he said.
A complete nightclub with a live disc jockey started at sunset to bring the nightlife to the teenagers in attendance.
There where performances from comedians, dancers and singers for everyone else. Even Soofiani was found in the ppsspp games backstage area dancing with a large group of participants while someone sang on stage.
Left to right (Sonia Gorrolla / Roundup)
