FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Austin Annual Eid Al Fitr Community Carnival
Austin Muslims Reach Out During Holy Season 

Austin, TX – September 28, 2008 – The Muslim American Society of Austin cordially invites you to Eid Al Fitr Carnival 2008. Help build the bridges of tolerance and understanding by helping dissolve the misconceptions that exist amongst us.

•    What: Eid Carnival 2008
•    Date: Saturday, October 4, 2008
•    Time: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
•    Location: North Austin Muslim Community Center (NAMCC) @ 11900 N. Lamar Blvd.
•    Fees: FREE ADMISSION 

What is Eid Al Fitr?

Eid Al Fitr is one of the two Islamic Holidays celebrated by Muslims around the world. The Holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the month in which daily fasting from sunrise to sunset is prescribed on all healthy and able Muslims. For Muslims, Eid Al Fitr is a time of joy, generosity, sharing, peace of congregation, brotherhood and sisterhood, fellowship, and unity. Muslims not only celebrate the ending of the fast, but also thank God for the strength and enhanced piety He provided them throughout the month of Ramadan. Although these events are very visible within the Muslim community, they are much less visible to the nation as a whole. It is our aim to make this season fully utilized by reaching out beyond the Muslim community in order to share with our fellow citizens the mercy, blessings and joy of this blessed time. During this time, we also aim to extend our hands to help the needy in our community, as well as open dialogue and channels of communication with interfaith groups, neighbors, and the Austin community at large.

In Austin and in cities across the United States, Muslims and non-Muslims will come together in unity for special events such as this. Many more area Muslim organizations and businesses are supporting this effort through financial contribution, volunteering, or both.

The Carnival will consist of rides, games, and entertainment for all ages, including moonwalks, henna, face painting, Wii video games, snow cones, popcorn, cotton candy, balloons, and more! Enjoy delicious food from around the world, and shop at the local ethnic clothing vendors and bazaar.

Sponsoring organizations: The Muslim American Society of Austin (MAS), North Austin Muslim Community Center (NAMCC), Central Texas Muslimat (CTM), Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA), the Islamic Center of Round Rock (ICRR), the Pakistani Association of Greater Austin (PAGA), Renaissance Academy (RA), the Austin Peace Academy (APA), Illuminated Academy of Texas (IAT),.

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