Demonstrators Claim Assault Went Unpunished at Dearborn's Arab International Festival

Video released this week by the Bible Believers shows several members of the group being hit with various items, and some claim arrests should have been made.

A video from Dearborn's Arab International Festival is making the rounds online this week, and some are saying it's a clear sign that assault took place and went unpunished by Wayne County officers. Originally posted to YouTube by a group known as Itching Ears Ministry, the video shows raw footage taken at the festival during a protest by the Bible Believers. In the video, numerous attendees at the festival are shown shouting obscenities and throwing various items at the protesters–including water bottles, Frisbees, eggs and even milk crates. Members of the group are heard mentioning being hit by several of the items. One man even says he was hit in the head by a "piece of concrete." The Wayne County Sheriff's Department, which oversaw …

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Crucian Gringa

8:10 am on Sunday, March 17, 2013

You have to be actually specific...insult is fairly easy- but to what degree? If I say that when I lived in Egypt it was cramped and crowded and loud, will Egyptians be insulted? But what the heck is 'hate" speech. I HATE orange (I mean really). I HATE people who are stupid. I HATE people who do not understand what the constitution is...oh, wow, how much time do you have? But please let me know …   more ›

Check Out Our Shots from the Arab International Festival

The Dearborn festival brought together local food, performances and family fun.

Photos: Arab International Festival Celebrates 17th Year

Carnival rides, activities, entertainment and great weather marked the Dearborn festival June 15-17.

Residents from across southeastern Michigan came to Dearborn's Arab International Festival Friday to enjoy a variety of activities, foods, carnival rides and more. Despite a small contingent of protesters, the majority of the festival continued as planned. The festival will be continuing Saturday and Sunday and is located on Warren Avenue between Schaefer and Wyoming. Add your photos from the festival to our gallery by clicking on the "Add Photos and Video" button on this page! More: Check out Dearborn Patch's full festival lineup.

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Anti-Islam Protest at Arab International Festival Results in Disorderly Conduct Charges

Despite a littering of thrown debris and profanity, the majority of the festival remained undisturbed as a radical Christian group made its way through the fair Friday.

For a brief moment Friday, the song "Why Can't We Be Friends?" blared over the speakers of a ride at the Arab International Festival in Dearborn; but nearby, an anti-Islamic protest made its way down Warren Avenue, drowning out the lyrics' message of friendship with the angry shouts of attendees. The incident led to two charges of disorderly conduct, according to the Wayne County Sheriff's Department. While the majority of the festival remained unscathed, the Bible Believers–a small contigent with an anti-Islam message–protested at the fair on Warren Avenue. Near them, separated by Wayne County police, a crowd of 50-100 counter-protesters contested the group's presence with words and actions. Most were teenagers, while several adult …

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Your Guide to the 2012 Arab International Festival

Music, food, carnival rides and more–here's a look at what's happening and when at the festival, which runs June 15-17.

The Arab International Festival returns this weekend on Warren Avenue in Dearborn for the 18th year. For three days, the festival converts 14 blocks into a cultural celebration, rich with diversity, food, arts and entertainment. Admission is free. Bring the entire family to enjoy food with international flavor from the Middle East and beyond, live music and performances, carnival rides, midway games, henna designs, crafts and jewelry. Entertainment includes singers Bassam Saleh, Elias Haddad, Mahmood Beydoun, Safa Dahan, Mohamed Abo Sumayeh, Assad Hassan, Jad Madi, Chadi Hachem, Adel Adeeb, Joseph Bashara, Ali Mcheik, Layalina Dabke Group. It also includes an appearance by Ms. Arab USA Christina Rafidia, Arab Idol and food contests and …

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