(photo courtesy of Israeli-American Council)

More than 15,000 people are expected at the Celebrate Israel Festival on Sunday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center.

The festival celebrates Israel’s 67th Independence Day with musicians, cultural attractions and interactive events. The Los Angeles chapter of the Israeli-American Council (IAC) is organizing the festival.

Prior to the festival’s start, StandWithUs will hold its “Salute to Israel Walk in Blue & White” at 9:30 a.m. to show community solidarity with Israel. To register, visit www.celebrateisrealfestival.com/walk.

Israeli musical superstars Shlomi Shabat and children’s entertainer Dod Haim will be the headlining acts at the festival.

One of the highlights will be a Tiger Squaron formation flyover at 3:30 p.m. that signals the start of the official ceremony hosted by syndicated radio talk show host Dennis Prager.

Guests will enjoy “#MeetMeAtTheBar”, which offers a great view of the center stage. Children will enjoy a mini-amusement park with rides in the festival’s “KidZone”.

In addition to Israeli arts and crafts and interactive exhibitions, the festival will feature a section titled “Jerusalem of Gold”, with a 32-foot-long replica of the Western Wall (the Kotel), the holiest site in Judaism. A model of Jerusalem’s colorful open-air Machane Yehuda Market (Shuk Machane Yehuda) will be held with Israeli artists selling clothing, jewelry, Judaica, paintings, pottery, sculptures, home goods and gifts. Israeli cuisine will also be available. Participants can also take part in the painting of a community mural with L.A.-based Israeli-American artist, Tomer Perez. Cheviot Hills Recreation Center is located at 2551 Motor Ave. Advance tickets are $6; $10 at the door.

For information, visit www.celebrateisraelfestival.com/LosAngeles.