Arab International Festival Organizers Move Event in Response to Backlash from Christian Groups

Big changes are coming for the 18th annual Arab International Festival, scheduled for June 14-16 in Dearborn.

Organizers have petitioned the city of Dearborn to allow the festival to take place at Ford Woods Park, with restricted admittance to paid attendees due to attacks from Christian missionary groups in recent years.

The festival is the biggest annual outdoor gathering of Arab Americans in the United States.

In previous years, the free festival was held on Warren Avenue and included games, activities, and a public celebration of the Muslim religion. Last year, however, several Christian missionaries picketed the event and brought a pig's head in protest.

According to a report in USA Today, Mayor Jack O'Reilly, Jr. said one of the reasons for the new venue is due to liability concerns after the city was hit with lawsuits from some missionaries, who said that their free speech rights were violated at the festival.

Mary Laundroche, director of public information for the city, said officials want a more controlled site.

"The rules governing behavior at an event that requires paid admission would be different than on public streets," she said.

Laundroche said the city assists the Arab American Chamber of Commerce with the festival, but is not in charge of facilitating the event.

Editor's note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available.