CARY - Ten-year-old Hashim Siddiqi knew just how to celebrate the end of Ramadan: a spin or two on the bungee run, a funnel cake and then back to the bungee run.

And perhaps another funnel cake. Or maybe even a little cotton candy.

"The food here is awesome," Hashim said before running off with pal Shakoor Afzal, 9, to get in line to take a turn on a giant blow-up slide.

It was pure family fun Saturday as hundreds of area Muslims gathered for the annual Eid al-Fitr celebration, a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.

While the holiday officially ended Wednesday, the celebration, sponsored by the Islamic Association of Cary, was designed to bring together families and friends for some additional lighthearted fun after the long religious holiday.

"It's all about celebrating joy and love and social interaction with our neighbors and friends," said Farida Sharief of Raleigh.

Samreen Nawaz, who helped organize the event with her husband, Syed Yousuf, said she expected 800 people at the celebration, held off West Chatham Road, just down the street from where a new mosque is planned.

"We're just people who like to have fun," Nawaz said.

Kids lined up 20 deep for pony rides. They tested their strength on a rock climbing wall. And they splurged on cotton candy, ice cream and snow cones.

There were plenty of cultural treats, as well, including traditional dishes such as the chicken and rice dish biryani, and samosas, savory pastry stuffed with vegetables or meat.

Qadira Morgan was there to sell her scarves. She has a part-time business making hijab that many Muslim women wear to cover their heads. She cuts the fabric and surges the edge to create square or oblong scarves.

She was among a half-dozen vendors selling traditional dress, including shalwar kameez and hijab.

Some parents, who are raising their children with an understanding of American holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, said the event helped them teach their children more about their Muslim heritage.

"She needs to know there is other stuff to celebrate, too," said Moussa Grari, whose 4-year-old daughter Amira was fearless tackling the climbing wall.

Yousuf said he hoped to use the celebration to get his two boys eager for next year's big holiday.

"We are normal people who want to celebrate," Yousuf said. "We enjoy like you enjoy."

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