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Home / News / Thousands Expected at Black Hill Regional Park April 6 for Annual Persian American Festival (Sizdah Bedar)

Thousands Expected at Black Hill Regional Park April 6 for Annual Persian American Festival (Sizdah Bedar)

BOYDS, MD—The IrAmerican Civic Society (ICS) in cooperation with the Montgomery County Department of Parks will host its annual Sizdah Bedar festival at Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds this Sunday, April 6 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

“Last year, nearly 6,000 gathered to celebrate Sizdah Bedar at Black Hill,” said Department of Parks Black Hill Regional Park Manager Jim McMahon. “However as a public park open to all users, we are mindful of the effect increased park use can have on park neighbors.”

To manage traffic and control crowds for this event, Department of Parks managers have informed park neighbors that it may become necessary to close the Black Hill Regional Park entrance at West Old Baltimore Road for a period of time, Sunday, April 6. However, West Old Baltimore Road will not be closed at any point for the event and no parking or pedestrian traffic will be allowed on West Old Baltimore Road. Park Police have established a hotline number for any questions or concerns on Sunday. Residents, park neighbors and patrons may call 301-601-2988 on Sunday, April 6 with questions or concerns related to this event.

“We are working very closely with event planners, our Park Police and county police officers to ease traffic congestion and reduce overcrowding disturbances for the day’s festival,” added McMahon.

Event planners are also encouraging celebrants planning to attend Sunday to carpool.

Sizdah Bedar is the Persian festival of springs. Iranian Americans and others will celebrate this age-old spring event in parks and various outdoor settings across the nation Sunday, the thirteenth day of the Persian Year—Norouz. The celebration at Black Hill will include Persian music, cultural activities, and freshly grilled food and sweets.

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Contact:
Kelli Holsendolph
Media Relations Manager
Montgomery County Department of Parks
301-650-2866