A massive free color festival will be held on March 24 at Marymoor Park near Redmond.

Organized by the Vedic Cultural Center (VCC), with grant support from the Redmond Arts and Culture Commission, the Festival of Color will run from noon to 5 p.m. and brings the traditional Holi festival of India to the Northwest.

The festival president Harry Terhanian said: “To accommodate the rapid growth of the annual festival in six years, we are staging it at Marymoor Park this year.”

The highlight of the festival is the periodic play of colors, with countdowns announced by dignitaries and officials in attendance. The play of colors involves folks throwing (vegetable-based, non-allergic) color powder at one another.

Latha Sambamurti, the festival’s artistic director and Washington State Arts Commissioner, said: “To accentuate the joy of play of colors, audiences will be enjoying and dancing to high-energy stage performances.”

This year’s stage talent lineup features DJ Anjali & the Incredible Kid from Portland, Oregon, and Seattle area’s Rhythms of India dance group.

“Color contests and dance contests will be rounding out fun activities for festival attendees,” said Sambamurti, “so bring lots of energy!”

The Festival of Color is is suitable for all ages. Vegetarian finger food will be available. Information and advance registration: www.facebook.com/vccfestivals and www.festivalofcolor.us.

Colors fly at last year’s festival. Photo courtesy of Creative Flashes Photography