Taste of Pakistan Bolingbrook turn to biggest Pakistan Day festival in the USA over 15,000 people showed up to enjoy the event
Association of Pakistani Americans Bolingbrook celebrated the 26th Anniversary of Pakistan annual Flag Hoisting Ceremony in 2017 at the Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center located 375 W Briarcliff, Bolingbrook, IL
Association of Pakistani Americans celebrated the 70th Independence Day of Pakistan at the Bolingbrook on Saturday (August 26, 2017) with great joy and enthusiasm. It is estimated that a crowd of approximately 15,000 people showed up to enjoy the event.
The event started off with the customary recitation from the Holy Qur'an with translation. The APA Founder & President Talat Rashid welcomed the audience. He stressed the need to make the Pakistani American Association a platform for the advancement of the community and youth. Talat Rashid founder of the Association of Pakistani Americans in Bolingbrook began the ceremony 26 years ago.
The Bolingbrook Village officials, Businessman, Political and community leaders, Dignitaries included Mayor of Bolingbrook, Representative for Illinois State Governor, Representative from many Illinois State officials, Mayor of Romeoville, School board President, Village Trustee and many others were present at the event.
A little after 6:30 pm. The flag of Pakistan was hosted by the Consulate General of Pakistan in Chicago, Faisal Trimizi. American & Pakistani National Anthem was sung on the occasion. Prominent community members were also present on the occasion including, Pervaz Usman, Zakir Sabri and many others. Mayor of Bolingbrook Roger C. Claar congratulated the Pakistani Americans on the independence day of Pakistan. He also commended the community for contributing positively in the affairs of the village. He further says we are only one in the nation since 26 years celebrating. Consul General of Pakistan Faisal Niaz Trimizi thanked Mayor Claar for holding this prestigious program every year without missing a year. Faisal Niaz Tirmazi also said "I don't feel Boilingbrook is my second home, I always feel Bolingbrook is my First home.
Program emcee Mir Ali did a great job with keeping the program going efficiently. Several audience said "if there is no Mir Ali Program will not successes. Recently Mr. Rashid Rasheed and Mr. Mir Ali were appointed to the Police and Fire and Plan Commission boards. A joyous spirit prevailed among the people who came from far and near to participate in the Festival. Many were waving huge Pakistani flags while others sported shirts with an imprint of the national flag. Many were dressed in green colored costumes. The Pakistani community came cheerfully to celebrate the occasion in a true family-oriented atmosphere with Pakistani food vendors, clothes stalls and handicrafts making the attendees reminiscent and nostalgic about the country they have left behind. The Pakistani APA was grateful to the city of Bolingbrook and Mayor Roger C. Claar for sponsoring and kindly hosting such a successful event since last 26 years.
Everyone from young and old enjoyed the festive and happy mood of the event. Songs and dances both from local and popular, talented artists drew the most attention from the audience. In the middle of the event a Wonderful Bridal Show presented by inspire multi brand. Popular singers famous from Coke Studio's Asim Azhar and legend singer Bushra Ansari (she also a top class comedian, actor and playwright from Pakistan) mesmerized the highly charged crowd. Both Singers presented famous periodic songs as one young Pakistani American teenager remarked, this type of event puts you in a patriotic mood for the younger generation. Besides this wonderful event, there were a wide range of vendors who put up different stalls and booths.
Sponsors of the event were Helping Hand, Inspire multi brand, Etihad Airways, Tandoori Restaurant, Peri Peri chicken, Absolute Healthcare, Bismillah Restaurant, Advance Pediatric Care and Etc. the event was a totally fun filled day for the entire family with food, shopping and entertainment audience will remember long time.