Colorful start to EP fest

Folk dances, cartoon characters parade, theatrical performances, games for children and rows of eateries dishing out lip-smacking delicacies marked the inauguration of the Eastern Province Summer Festival.
Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif inaugurated the festival at King Abdullah Waterfront in Dammam on Saturday. Despite the hot and humid weather, many visitors from within and outside the Kingdom took part in the opening event.
Prince Saud said that the Eastern Province was one of the most important tourist areas that received thousands of visitors annually. “There are 15 government organizations which have helped in organizing more than 100 activities during the summer in 20 different places in the region,” he said, and lauded the efforts of the Dammam Municipality, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities and the sponsors in making the festival a success.
Excitement and joy was writ large on the faces of the people as they enjoyed the festive atmosphere. Arab News spoke to people from different nationalities and all of them had words of appreciation for the festival and the activities, including the folk dances and the fireworks that lit up the sky. The festival offers something for everyone, irrespective of age, besides giving a taste of Saudi culture through various activities.
Mayor Fahd Al-Jaber said the province attracted the highest number of visitors during summers, second only to Makkah in the Kingdom.
Sarah Ahmed, an 8-year-old, summed up the prevalent atmosphere at the festival saying that she would like to visit the fair every day, particularly since she liked the clowns.