Fouad Noori is a Kurd who fled Iraq with his wife and two sons. Back home he helped the U.S. Army, and he now works for a security firm here.
Organizers said nearly 200 attended, including many devout Muslims who came despite the month-long fast of Ramadan which is in progress. One noted that none of the Muslims ate at the picnic, but took home boxed food that they would be allowed to eat after nightfall.
Many nations and traditions were represented Saturday, but the closest to anything contentious occurred when a bunch of children and young adolescents chose up sides for a friendly soccer game.