Join us for the 35th Annual Flag Hoisting Ceremony and Taste of Pakistan organized by the Association of Pakistani Americans, Bolingbrook.
Celebrate Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day with an evening of community, culture, food, entertainment, and family fun. Everyone is welcome to come together, enjoy the festivities, and celebrate Pakistan’s heritage right here in Bolingbrook.
Saturday, August 29th, 2026
2PM - 11PM
The Roger C. Claar Performing Arts Center
375 W. Briarcliff Rd., Bolingbrook
Admission is free. For Booth details and entertainment, click the button below
Mary Alexander-Basta serves as Mayor of the Village of Bolingbrook, Illinois. First appointed in July 2020 to complete the term of retiring Mayor Roger Claar, she has since been elected twice by Bolingbrook voters and is currently serving her second full term. She is the first Egyptian-born woman to serve as a mayor in the United States.
Born in Cairo, Egypt, Mayor Alexander-Basta immigrated to the U.S. as a child and holds a degree in Mass Communications from the American University in Cairo. Before entering public service, she built a two-decade career in hospitality and event management with the Palmer House Hilton, Four Seasons, and Sheraton, and became the first female General Manager in the Chicago Yacht Club's 125-year history.
She and her husband moved to Bolingbrook in 2003, drawn by the community's diversity. Her public service began at the grassroots level — as JFK PTA President, executive board member of the Bolingbrook Soccer League, and founding Vice President of the Bolingbrook STEM Association — before her election as Village Trustee in 2019, where she chaired the Plan Commission. She was named Bolingbrook Female Citizen of the Year in 2018.
Mr. Mehdi is a career Foreign Service Officer and has served at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in various positions since 2003. He has worked as Assistant Director-Europe (2004-2005), Director Foreign Secretary’s Office (2011-2012), Director-Counter Terrorism (2018-2019), Director-Foreign Secretary’s Office (2019-2020) and Director General–Strategic Planning (2020-2021).
Mr. Mehdi has served in Pakistan’s diplomatic Missions in Beijing as Second Secretary (2005-2010). He has also served as First Secretary & Counsellor Political (2012-2018) at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington D.C., USA. Prior to his appointment as Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago in October 2025, Mr. Mehdi served as Ambassador/Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva.
Kids Fun
Experience the joy and excitement of our community events, where fun and creativity come together for all ages!
Entertainment
Join the excitement of live performances and community celebrations, where every moment is full of energy and joy!
Taste Of Pakistan
Crispy samosas, spicy chutney, and that perfect desi crunch. One bite and you're home.
