(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - "I think it will be as good or better than last year," Shane Yoder, president of the Sacramento Chapter Islamic Circle of North America, told the Sacramento Bee on Tuesday, July 19
"There's definitely a lot of interest," he said.
Starting this tradition in 2008, ICNA has sponsored three years at California State Fair under the title WhyIslam?
Last year, the group handed out 2,500 Qurans at the fair.
On the first floor of Building C, next to a space that sells headphones for athletes, fairgoers can pick up free Qurans and brochures.
This year, DVDs about Islam are also available.
Two Christian groups have now joined them at the fair. WhyIslam? sponsored its first booth in 2008. Amazing Grace Missions arrived in 2009 and William F. Smith in 2010, according to State Fair organizers.
Though many might consider the booth idea as unusual for offering spiritual answers about any religion, Yoder said that the fair casual and diverse atmosphere made their mission easier.
"There are people who have a negative stereotype of us," Yoder said.
"This gives them a chance to talk about Islam one on one. It's a casual atmosphere."
Answering different questions on Islam, volunteers were engaged in interesting talks with fairgoers of a variety of faiths.
"Of course we have a handful of people who have been confrontational," he said.
"They are passionate about their beliefs."
State Fair officials said they have had no complaints about the WhyIslam? booth.
"Our No. 1 concern is public safety for the fairgoers and the vendors," said Mary Ann Costamagna, director of the media center for the fair.
"I have heard that they have been wonderful to work with."
/106
