ARLEE - A vibrant blue sky was the backdrop for a day dedicated to celebrating peace at the Garden of 1,000 Buddhas in Arlee. Between 600 and 800 people were in attendance for the 6th Annual Peace Festival, an event that strives to look at how spiritual practices and principals can be solutions to social and cultural problems.

"I feel like we accomplished our goal and it was a beautiful day from start to finish," Deborah Hicks, Ewam Media Coordinator said. "The Drum Brothers set the tone for the whole day which became both deep and meditative and also very lively."

Several members of the Salish and Kootenai Tribes contributed dance, music and words to the day's activities.

"The tribal involvement this year was just very special," Hicks said.

While many festivals attract people with food and music alone, this one offered much more stimulating entertainment. Attendees gathered around sitting on carpets in front of the stage, as the chairs were full under the tent when speakers were talking.

"People sat, gripped and listened to the interface panel," Hicks said. "They all seemed to have their own individual message that revolved around, ‘how do we create peace during the spiritually difficult times, the culturally difficult times?' They really brought home the message to me that peace is the same in any culture."

According to Hicks, it was one of the best festivals yet for Ewam, which is a good sign of things to come, like the much-anticipated visit from the Dhali Llama who accepted and invitation to bless the garden when completed.

"There were just smiles on everybody's faces," Hicks said. "I hope every year can be as successful as this year."