March 29, 2011 > Nowroz comes to the Tri-Cites Nowroz comes to the Tri-Cites While many nations are well into their new year, for other cultures the festivities are just beginning. The Afghan/Persian New Year arrives with the first day of spring and lasts 13 days in a celebration called Nowroz. Aptly meaning "New Day" in Persian, Nowroz has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and is the largest Afghan/Persian event in the U.S. This Saturday, producer and founder NowRoz.org brings the festival to the Tri-Cities for the first time with a two-day event that presents the tastes, sights, and sounds of the Afghan culture. Over 40 vendors will offer food and arts from the region, as well as information on health and career options. Fremont houses the second largest population of Afghan people in the world, and the aim of the festival is to share the Afghan culture with the rest of the community as well as preserve and strengthen the identity of the Afghan people living in the area, and establish a fun and lasting event that people can look forward to each year. The event is free and open to all. For more information call 1-855-NowRoz-1 or visit www.nowrozfestival.com. Nowroz Festival Saturday and Sunday, April 2 and 3 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Swiss Park 5911 Mowry Ave., Newark 1-855-NowRoz-1 www.nowrozfestial.com Free