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Annual Somali Week is a vibrant and enriching event hosted by Somali Week at 1420 S Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55454. According to the event website somaliweek.org, the organization focuses on uplifting and enriching the lives of Somali American youth through education, mentoring, employment opportunities, and the arts. They aim to guide them towards higher education, civic engagement, and a strong commitment to community service. This remarkable event attracts around 40,000 participants and over 100 community groups each year.
The event is proudly sponsored by notable organizations, including Amazon, the City of Minneapolis, Metro Transit, UCare, and others.
This week-long celebration features a variety of events. This year, highlights included a Town Hall Meeting, the Somali Independence Day Festival, and the SomaliFest Concert. As an observer for the second year, I had the pleasure of attending the Somali Independence Day Festival with my family. Sponsors and vendors had stalls to share their services with the community, and there was a lively atmosphere with food trucks, ice cream vendors, and even camel riding activities.
The event this year also featured distinguished guests such as the former Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Ali Khaire, and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. It was a fantastic experience that I highly recommend to everyone, especially those who do not live in Minnesota like me.
If you plan to attend next year, consider the following tips:
- Plan ahead, as traffic in and out of the venue can be hectic.
- If you prefer to avoid large crowds, arrive early before the rush time of 4 PM to find ample parking around the venue.
- Support local vendors by bringing cash.
Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of Somali culture and community!
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