The Bet Nahrain Assyrian Heritage Centre is inviting the public to the third annual Assyrian Festival of Nusardil.

It’s being held July 8, noon-7 p.m., at T.B. McQuesten Park, 1199 Upper Wentworth St., next to the Lincoln Alexander Parkway.

Nusardil is an ancient Assyrian festival that dates back thousands of years and has its roots in agriculture and religion. Water is a key element as the Assyrian kings would traditionally sprinkle holy water on people and crops during the hot summer months as a blessing.

As part of the celebration, there will be live Assyrian music, folk-dance performances, water-based games, food and what is being billed as Hamilton’s biggest water balloon fight.