Founder Musleh Hakki was able to greet the 5,500 to 6,000 guests to Abbyfest in 17 different languages on Saturday.
The all-day celebration of diversity at the Ag Rec Building began with a Flag of Nations parade that saw 62 countries represented by people of all ages dressed in their national costumes.
Hakki gave credit to 200 volunteers who help make the free-admission, non-profit event possible. It grows a little each year, and is up from 5,000 guests last year, he said. In its first year the event made $52, and Hakki expects it to do slightly better than break even again this year.
A sixth annual Abbyfest is being planned for next Sept. 21.
The winners of the Raffle tickets at AbbyFest held on Sept 15, 2012 are
Grand Prize - Tickets for two people on any WestJet destination: Linda Krenz
2nd Prize - Weekend stay for two at Best Western Plus Hotel Abbotsford: Lois Gordon
3rd Prize - Four tickets to Abbotsford Heat home game: Joe Franta
4th Prize - Four tickets to a major event at Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Center: Harpreet Mundi
Winners are requested to contact Hakki at 778-240-5786 or musleh@abbyfest.com. The original ticket is required to claim the prize.