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Algerian community members host thank-you celebration for Lawrence

by Maya Smith
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times
Tommee Sherwood (right) leads a "One, two, three, viva l'Algérie" chant during a celebration that Algerian community members hosted Aug. 1, 2026 to say thank you to Lawrence for hospitality during the World Cup. At left is Louiza Cherfi, one of the organizers.
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Around 200 community members gathered at the Granada on Saturday for a thank-you celebration from the Algerian community with traditional food, a fashion show and gratitude for Lawrence’s embrace of the country. 

Community members expressed thanks to the Granada, eXplore Lawrence, the Lawrence Police Department and others who helped welcome the Algerian team and its fans during the World Cup.

With dozens of traditional Algerian dishes and desserts, Algerian community members like Jiga Ouchene said the food was a way to say thank you to Lawrence for the hospitality. Some items on the menu included couscous, rechta, dolma, bourek, homemade pastries, as well as sweet vanilla crêpes, ice cream and drinks.

Several folks were given gifts. Earthwork artist Stan Herd, one of those honored for their work welcoming Algeria, surprised the audience with local artist Rick Miller’s gift to the Algerian soccer team — a handmade, wooden soccer ball with details of the Algerian flag. 

Community members and members of local businesses said they hope to continue the relationship with Algeria in the future. 

The event was organized by The Algerian Ladies of Kansas. The Granada donated the space for the event, and eXplore Lawrence was a sponsor. 

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Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Louiza Cherfi and Hafidha Mansouri share history and facts about Algeria on stage at the Granada.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Jiga Ouchene (left) shows community members food cooked by local Algerian community members.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times The “Thank You Lawrence” banner that was displayed during the Algeria team’s final group-stage match against Austria at Arrowhead Stadium was on display at the event.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Louiza Cherfi shares history and facts about Algeria on stage at the Granada.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Hafidha Mansouri asks a fashion show participant about her outfit.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times A model shows her traditional Algerian outfit.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Hafidha Mansouri asks a fashion show participant about her outfit.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times A model waves at the crowd during the fashion show.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Local artists’ Algeria and Kansas themed art
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Algeria and Lawrence merchandise sold outside of the event
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Community members line up to get traditional Algerian food.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Community members line up to get traditional Algerian food.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Community members line up to get traditional Algerian food.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Community members line up to get traditional Algerian food.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Community members look at a display of Algerian culture and history.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Louiza Cherfi explains the significance of her jewelry.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Children play on stage in front of the “Thank you Lawrence” banner from Algeria’s match against Austria.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Jiga Ouchene (left) helps serve traditional Algerian food to community members.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Stan Herd (right) is honored for his work with the Algerian community visiting Lawrence. Herd and his team created a quarter-acre undulating Algerian flag near the Lied Center.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Stan Herd is honored with a gift from the Algerian community.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Local artist Rick Miller’s artwork that is set to be gifted to the Algerian soccer team.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times Children draw an Algerian flag with chalk outside the Granada.

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Maya Smith (she/her), reporting intern, has worked with The Lawrence Times since February 2026. She was born and raised in Lawrence and is a journalism student at the University of Kansas. She works at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications as a communications assistant and has been a freelance reporter for the Kansas Reflector since 2024. Read her work for the Times at this link.

More coverage: World Cup 2026

Maya Smith/Lawrence Times
Tommee Sherwood (right) leads a "One, two, three, viva l'Algérie" chant during a celebration that Algerian community members hosted Aug. 1, 2026 to say thank you to Lawrence for hospitality during the World Cup. At left is Louiza Cherfi, one of the organizers.
Arts & Events

Algerian community members host thank-you celebration for Lawrence

by Maya Smith
Share this post or save for later

Around 200 community members gathered at the Granada for a thank-you celebration from the Algerian community with traditional food, a fashion show and gratitude for Lawrence’s embrace of the country. 

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