In Pictures: LEBFEST 2007! Thousands Turn Out to Enjoy First-ever Lebanese Festival

Dignitaries arriving before the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

(From l to r): Festival Host Committee Member Abe Karam, Dearborn Heights District Judge David Turfe, Birmingham Principal Shopping District Director John Heiney, Birmingham Concerts In the Park Chairperson June McGregor, Festival Chairman John Akouri, Lebanese Consul General Bachir Tawk, Warren City Clerk Richard Sulaka, 2007 Festival Grand Marshall, Festival Co-Chair, Al Long Ford President Tarik Daoud, Oakland Probate Judge Linda Saoud Hallmark, Festival Host Committee Co-Chair Renee Ahee.

(Not pictured but present): State Representative Chuck Moss, Circuit Court Judge David Allen, United American Lebanese Federation President Walid Mourad, Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano Senior Advisor Wassim Mahfouz, Michigan House of Representatives Policy Analyst Kenwah Dabaja, Jordanian Consul General Habib Fakhoury, American Jewish Committee Director Sharona Shapiro, Armenian Assembly of America Edgar Hagopian, Turkish American Cultural Association of Michigan President Didem Seyhoglu, Michigan Food & Beverage Association President Ed Deeb, Festival Co-Chairs: Lew Ansara, Samar Ghorayeb & Julie Oldani, and the LEBFEST 07! College Ambassadors.

Detroit Superstar Karen Newman sings the US National Anthem

Celebrated crooner Usama Baalbaki performs the Lebanese National Anthem

Ashley Peters extraordinary rendition of America the Beautiful

Councilman John Akouri, General Chairman receives the Key to the City

Dignitaries officially cutting the ribbon to launch LEBFEST!

Lana, Lalena & Nashita of Detroit Bellydance

Performers wowed the audience

General view of Shain Park - during the 2007 Lebanese Festival

Jimmy A. and his Rat Pack Rollers

Amalia Kaddo & her Mediterranean Music Ensemble

Layalina Folk Dance Troupe