Israeli music, the sound of pounding drums, and the smell of Mediterranean food lingered in the air as crowds mingled among white tents at the west steps of the Capitol yesterday afternoon.

More than 3,000 people participated in Sacramento’s first Jewish Heritage festival yesterday despite the unpredictable weather, according to the Sacramento Jewish Federation.

The festival, presented by the federation, began with a “Salute to Israel @ 61 Walk-a-thon,” consisting of a “walk for unity” around the Capitol. The walk was followed by an opening ceremony emceed by Bill Slaton, member of the SMUD Board of Directors, and Sacramento’s KCRA Channel 3 Anchor Edie Lambert.

Both the celebration of Israel’s 61st anniversary and the diversity of Jewish heritage locally and throughout the world were emphasized in the opening ceremony and throughout the event.

“This is a sign that Israel is not alone even in hard times,” said the federation’s executive director, Mihal Kohane, to the crowd in her opening statement.

“Our goal today was to bring you Israel in every possible way,” she added.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and Assemblyman Marty Block (D-San Diego) both made statements during the opening ceremony.

“On behalf of the city of Sacramento, it’s an honor to be at this first annual event,” Johnson said.

Performances by renowned international singer Noa Dori and the West Coast Jewish dance ensemble Keshet Chaim attracted a large audience following the ceremony on the main stage.

Various attraction tents and booths were arranged around the main stage and the west front of the Capitol in “complexes.” A section of tents was dedicated to displays of Jewish life in Latin America, Russia, India, China and around the world at the Jewish Life Around the World complex.

Other complexes included the Jewish American Heritage complex, displaying photo exhibits of Jewish-American heritage from the Gold Rush to the present and the Salute to Israel @ 61 & Tel Aviv Centennial complex, displaying photo exhibits of Tel Aviv and hosting booths for the Israel Consulate General, the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces and the Jewish Agency for Israel.

The Green Revolution complex included booths from Green Sacramento, the Sacramento Bike Kitchen and the Sacramento Tree Foundation, along with ‘green’ workshops explaining processes like composting.

The festival drew supporters from both the Jewish and non-Jewish community.

“I’ve always been intrigued by the state of Israel and Jewish traditions, so I’m glad to see they had a festival this year,” said Oak Park resident Darby Flynn.

Others came from neighboring communities such as Lake Tahoe and Elk Grove.

“I’m here to support Israel, I’m here to support our synagogue, and I’m here to have a lot of fun and buy things from Israel,” said Mary Sorellis of Elk Grove.

Crowds gathered around the artist’s street market, where vendors sold colorful handmade glass, landscape photographs of Israel, hand-bound books, jewelry and handmade soaps.

A long line accumulated by the international food court, where people gathered to taste both American food and Mediterranean foods like falafel, borekas and hummus.

A separate area hosted children’s activities, where renowned storyteller and juggler Izzy Tooinsky entertained children and parents. Meanwhile, a 21-and-over area hosted a beer and wine garden selling He’brew beer and wines from the Israel Wine Company.

The festival ended with an eco-friendly fashion show modeling clothing from Sacramento’s Atelier and Freestyle Clothing Exchange, and from Los Angeles, Santa Cruz and Oakland designers. The theme revolved around sustainable clothing made from recycled cloths, hemp and organic cottons.

Various festivalgoers expressed excitement at the turnout of people to the Sacramento event.

“Three thousand people are out here today, and that’s a phenomenal feat, especially with the rain…it’s so exciting to see the community come together,” said midtown Sacramento resident Rebecca Johnson.