Close to 12,”000 visitors attended the Indo-American Fair 2004 held at Mercer County Park last September. The third annual entertainment and cultural festival features more vendors, more entertainment, and more food choices. Organized by Shirdi Sai Dham, a non-profit cultural organization, the event will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4, back at Mercer County Park.
“The main focus of the event is to share our Indian heritage, tradition, and culture with our American friends,” says Rajesh Rai Anand, one of the organizers and a West Windsor resident.
“The organization was formed as a get-together for South Asians, and to share our culture with our friends,” he says. “When you meet people you learn so many things.”
Rajesh, and his wife Arun, were born in India and moved to West Windsor in 1995. They lived near McCaffrey’s until their move to Estates at Princeton Junction a year ago.
He worked at Bristol-Myers Squibb and McGraw Hill before becoming an administrative analyst with the State of New Jersey in Trenton eight years ago. His wife is a librarian in the state library.
Their older daughter, 27, a graduate of NJIT, is in the master’s program there. Their younger daughter, 20, is a graduate of Lawrenceville School and in her second year at NJIT.
At the fair there will be displays and demonstrations of handicrafts, artifacts, costume and fashion jewelry, traditional and ethnic Indian fashions, henna, religious items, and picture frames. Blankets and kurtis will be selling at wholesale prices.
Indian food will be available from Ganges Restaurant, Kwality Ice Cream, Masti Cuisine, India Buffet, and two South Indian restaurants. The menus will include samosas, dosa, and chicken tikka. On Saturday and Sunday there will be a fashion show by ABC Radio (1660 AM), hosted by Kulraaj Anand, program director of the station.
Entertainment features singing by Desi artists, including Anurag Varde from Zee TV, ethnic dance performances, cultural programs, live family entertainment, and children’s rides.
Only 500 of the $100 tickets will be sold in the raffle for a 2005 Toyota Camry, a camcorder, or an Apple I-Pod. Proceeds benefit Shirdi Sai Dham. Winner need not be present.
Past events organized by Shirdi Sai Dham include Indian Mela in 2003, the 2004 festival, Diwali celebrations at Royal Albert Palace, Bollywood concerts, and celebrations of the many Hindu religious festivals.
“The Indo-American Fair is aimed at seeking wider participation of the South Asian community and our American friends to come and enjoy the different tastes of India,” says Anand.
Indo-American Fair 2005, Shirdi Sai Dham, Mercer County Park, West Windsor, 609-275-1334. Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4. Free admission and parking. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
