Downton Alexandria was the place to be for colorful family fun as the Cenla Indian Association held its annual Holi Fest, Saturday, May 18. The festival, a multicultural area tradition since 2013, is the signature fundraiser for the Children’s Advocacy Network that drew over 1,000 people to enjoy an afternoon of music, food, and lots and lots of color.

The event featured a 5k walk, jog, or run with a fun twist. The more than 150 runners ran through clouds of brightly colored smoke as they started the run. Volunteers also threw bright powdered paint at the runners. A firetruck from the Alexandria Fire Department put a mist over the finish line to keep everyone cool in the heat and to provide a fun play area for the children.

The Royal Indian Bistro, a local Indian restaurant, served up hundreds of plates of tasty Indian fare, while volunteers threw powdered paint on participants and kept the event running smoothly.

The Holi Fest celebrated the varied and dynamic cultures of India. Dancers performed pieces representative of some of India’s 28 states and several hundred languages. Other onstage entertainment consisted of dance schools, Zumba classes, and tap dancers.

The Holi Fest is held as a fundraiser for the Children’s Advocacy Network and is expected to raise over $20,000.00 to assist area children finding themselves in difficult circumstances. The event is terrific family fun and a superb example of people of differing races and cultures coming together for a common purpose in order to make our community a better place for our children.

The festival is a wonderful example of our community at its best!