Immerse yourself in the culture that started it all at the Third Annual Assyrian Festival with authentic foods, historical exhibits, live entertainment and a kids zone on Aug. 26 and 27 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Assyrian Festival is free to the public with free parking and will start the festival with a parade on Saturday, Aug. 26 with representatives from Congressman Jeff Denham’s office and representatives from Supervisor Kristin Olsen’s office as well as city officials and mayors from various cities in attendance. The festival is hosted by the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, Diocese of California.

“The festival has been a success the last couple of years in educating the public about the Assyrian community,” said His Grace Mar Awa Royel Bishop of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East Diocese of California. “We wanted to open this festival to the community so that all of our neighbors, irrespective of ethnicity, can experience our culture, our foods, and our history.”

Last year, the Assyrian Festival featured an exhibit that showcased the history of the Assyrian people in Turlock and its surrounding areas along with the timeline of the history of the Assyrian Church of the East, and other cultural artifacts that educated the community about the Assyrian people.

A 5K run and various sports activities are also being held at the Fairgrounds along with a car raffle.

The Assyrian Festival is a cultural educational festival that features authentic foods from the Assyrian community. All the food at the Assyrian Festival will be homemade by local Assyrians, using family recipes that have been used for generations, meaning guests will have an authentic experience.

“Live music and Assyrian dance groups will be onsite all weekend for your entertainment as well as a Kids zone with carnival rides,” Royel said.

The 2017 Assyrian Festival will feature a spectacular children’s area, which will include games and educational projects for kids. Also planned for 2017 is live entertainment that will feature local Assyrian dance groups.