Lawrence and Algeria Fans Unite in World Cup Celebration

WHO:

KMBC - Hafidha Mansouri organized the event.

KCTV - Louiza Cherfi is a co-organizer of the event.

KCTV - Ilyas Dey is an Algerian filmmaker.

KCTV - Chas Wiggan is a Lawrence resident.

WHAT:

KCTV - The event was described as a farewell party for the city, celebrating the bond formed between the Algerian community and Lawrence.

KCUR - The event peaked at about 100 people inside the Granada, with nearly double that number attending over the three-hour duration.

KCUR - Attendees enjoyed a food potluck and regional music from Algeria, with some dancers stepping outside for fresh air due to the crowd size.

KMBC - More than 300 people attended the celebration event.

KCTV - The event featured traditional Algerian foods, music, and a children’s fashion show.

KCTV - The Algerian Ladies of Kansas hosted a free community celebration to thank Lawrence for its support during the World Cup.

KCTV - Lawrence fans adapted the university’s chant to "Rock Chalk, Algeria."

WHERE:

KMBC - The celebration took place at the Granada in downtown Lawrence, Kansas.

KCTV - Algeria used Rock Chalk Park as its training base throughout the summer.

WHEN:

KCTV - The event occurred on a Saturday night.

WHY:

KCTV - Louiza Cherfi expressed that the summer brought her home country to her doorstep, stating, "Since I didn’t go — part of Algeria came to me."

KMBC - The celebration was to thank Lawrence residents for embracing the Algerian team during the World Cup.

KCTV - The event aimed to express gratitude for the hospitality shown to the Algerian community and their soccer team.

HOW:

KCUR - Lawrence police officers were acknowledged for their welcoming presence at all soccer events during the World Cup, contributing to a healthy relationship with the Algerian community.

KCTV - The event was made possible through sponsorship from Explore Lawrence, which covered the venue cost.

A farewell party celebrating the bond between the Algerian community and Lawrence drew a crowd of about 100 people inside the Granada, with nearly double that number attending over three hours. Attendees enjoyed a food potluck and regional music from Algeria, while some dancers stepped outside for fresh air due to the size of the gathering. Louiza Cherfi shared that the summer brought her home country to her doorstep, saying, "Since I didn’t go — part of Algeria came to me," and the Lawrence police were recognized for their welcoming presence at all soccer events during the World Cup, fostering a positive relationship with the community.