A grassroots cultural group in Markham is pushing ahead with its festival plans after successfully hosting a fundraising dinner in Lae city. The Kraang Festival Association Inc (KFAI) raised funds at Huon Gulf Hotel to help register the festival with the National Cultural Commission (NCC) and stage the inaugural event in Markham District. Chairman Moxie Jerry Dzigin said the association was proud of the community support. “We hosted a successful dinner despite the lack of backing from the Markham District Development Authority. This festival is for the people of Markham and for preserving our identity,” he said. While disappointed at being excluded from the district’s 50th anniversary celebrations, KFAI said it remained committed to working with partners. Support has already come from Markham communities in Lae and Port Moresby, as well as pledges from Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso and the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Belden Namah. The Kraang Festival will help bring people together and boost tourism in the district.