25th Annual Fall Peace Festival November 12, 2011

The 25th annual Peace Festival will be a holiday shopping bazaar, featuring tables of more than 50 social justice groups and local crafts vendors. It will take place on Saturday, Nov. 12th, from 10 am to 4 pm, in the Civic Center Hall of Mirrors, in downtown Oklahoma City. Admission is free.

“Live entertainment by local musicians and colorful fair trade goods on sale make this a popular event for supporters of human rights, social justice, environmental sustainability, and peace,” said Conna Wilkinson, Director of the Peace Education Institute, cosponsor of the event.

All groups provide informative materials, in addition to crafts and goods for sale. Food items at many tables and refreshments will also be available for visitors.

"A Children’s Activity Room will be supervised by adults during the event," Wilkinson said/

Background music will be performed by musicians Steve McLinn and Jahruba during the day. Student and faculty dancers from the Aalim School in Oklahoma City will once again present their popular art. Drums hand made by Jahruba will be available for purchase.

Fair trade goods available will include coffee, pottery, carving and weaving from Central America, Africa, and Asia, fabrics and clothing items. Environmental group Sierra Club will offer calendars, books, and other eco-friendly items.

The Oklahoma Vegetarian Society will provide homemade snacks, egg rolls and recipes teaching visitors nourishment without meat

Diverse cultural and spiritual traditions sharing literature and information include Buddhist, Baha’i, Moslem, Quaker, Religions United and Unitarian Universalists.

Information from local houses of worship especially welcoming to gay and lesbian members will be available.

Peace House Director Nathaniel Batchelder said, “The Peace Festival celebrates and makes visible many nonprofit and volunteer groups working behind the scenes all year on issues concerning human rights, social justice and the environment in Oklahoma.”

The Peace Festival is a time of public connection and support for these groups, he said.

For more information visit the Peace House website www.peacehouseok.org or calling 405-524-5577.