Desi Junction- Chicago's premier South-Asian radio station hosted its forth annual Summer Festival on July 23^rd. It was the day when you could see a person from every corner of India and Pakistan at the Bartlett grounds. Every music loving South Asian listener, their families and friends joined Desi Junction at the SUMMER FEST 2005 jointly organized by Lohana association and Club of Indian Women. People from all walks of life came in large numbers to enjoy the traditional Indian food, kites and games. This was one of the biggest gatherings of its own kind where people crossed boundaries of religion, race, states & nationalities.

Besides the obvious pleasures of food, fun and friends, there was an air of worry-free camaraderie. The desi spirit of brotherhood is what every immigrant is desperate to grasp here. Desi Junction prides itself on satisfying this emotion in the hearts of Indians and Pakistani's in our little niche of the world of Chicagoland. The selfless dedication of volunteers and the generosity of the respected sponsors are the main factors to make this Summer fest a most memorable day 

The event started with opening ceremony, where Senior opened the festival by releasing colorful balloons into the wide open blue sky. “Announcements in Pure Hindi along with the crowd, food and events made us feel like we were literally in India.”  Said Praveen Kumar. The atmosphere was filled with the music.  As some people were munching on the snacks, other started filling the sky with the colorful kites.  Lohana Association arranged more than 2500 kites with dori from India.  Atmosphere was more like “India’s Bhavnagar and not “Chicago ka Bartlett”. “This is bringing my childhood memories back” commented one of the guests. “Kite flying was a very thoughtful and colorful, with small kids to elders all involved in the event.”  Exclaimed Jairam Kaholn.

 There was ample free food for everyone along with Roofafza and, Lemonade. The grill was running non stop churning out Tandoori chicken. Visitors were wondering how come there is no ticket for all of this free fun and food. “I was surprised and amazed to see the Crowd, the arrangements, stalls and the professionalism in organizing the event.” mentioned Harjinder Sandhu.

Games organized by the team were either an improvised version or an exact copy of games played back home. Games included Donut Race, Lemon- Spoon race, Matka Race and many more entertaining events kept the listeners on their toes. The highlight of the event was Tug of war between the Saas and Bahus. It was like a scene from Mahabharat. The age old animosity going on from the dawn of civilization was given a new life. Other favorite of the crowd was Couples sack race. The response was so enormous that couples were lined up to grab the sacks. “I just do not have the words to praise the event. It truly was a memorable day and you bet I will not miss it for any thing in future. Hope to work again with you in future” said Mrs. Mann. 

The final crowning jewel of the picnic was Kids Fashion Parade. So many parents enthusiastically brought their children to the Fashion parade and one could see Indian Mythological figures, Pakistani nationals and Bollywood actors in those tiny tots. “The food was great! And all the volunteers were very nice and helpful. The games were full of fun and interesting. Sack race for couples, kids hoola hoops, fashion show were all amazing to watch. Kids enjoyed full time.”.

The festival came to an end with a recoginations ceremony along with a entertainment program where local performers along with the performers from Payalia Dance Studio & PCS performed entertained the spectators.