NEW HARTFORD — In celebration of Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant holidays on the Muslim calendar, members of Utica’s Somali Bantu community will host a picnic at Sherrillbrook Park, off of Sherrillbrook Road, from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The celebration will have traditional Somali food and will have several games and contests for participants.

During Eid al-Adha, Bantu people prepare a large meal and special sweets and gather with family and friends. They divide their food into three parts. The family retains one-third; the second third is given to relatives, friends, and neighbors; and the remaining portion is shared with the needy.

“We are proud Americans, and proud Uticans,” said event organizer Hawa Juma. “When we observe Eid al-Adha we are also honoring our proud culture and our traditions of love and unity. Eid is a joyful celebration of faith, family and friends in which we give back through charity,” he added.

The Utica area is home to approximately 2,000 Somali Bantus. More than half of Utica’s Somali Bantus own their own homes and many of their children are now enrolled at MVCC, SUNY Polytechnic Institute and other colleges, according to officials.