St. Sharbel to hold annual Lebanese festival

The 34th annual Lebanese Festival will be held from 6-10 p.m. on June 7, from noon to 11 p.m. on June 8 and from noon to 10 p.m. on June 8 at St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church, 526 Easton Ave., on the corner of  Franklin Boulevard, Somerset.

Better known as a Mahrajan, the festival is an outdoor gathering for authentic Middle Eastern food, music, dance and culture. Traditional Lebanese foods such as falafel, shawarma (gyro), hummus, shish kabob, spinach pies, tabouhli, stuffed grape leaves and more will be featured. Vegetarian selections will also be vegan. In addition, there will be a large assortment of Middle Eastern pastries such as baklawa, mamool, nammoora and ghraybeh.

Performing on Friday will be Eddie Osama. On Saturday, Ayad Atallah will perform. On Sunday, Jad Rahme will sing both traditional and popular songs from Lebanon. There will be daily dancing, as well as folkloric dance performances.

In addition, there will be souvenirs, games of chance, raffles and prizes.

Admission and parking are free.

For more information, call the parish office of St. Sharbel Church at 732-828-2055 or visit www.saintsharbelnj.org.