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ARS of Western USA, Inc.
Regional Office
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91202
Tel. (818) 500-1343
Fax: (818) 242-3732
E-Mailf: [email protected]
CONTACT: Talar Aintablian
Armenian Culture Shines During ARS 10th Annual Armenian Festival
In its 10th straight year, the Annual Armenian Cultural & Food Festival,
organized by the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, brought together
crowds from near and far to the Glendale Civic Auditorium on Saturday, April
30 and Sunday, May 1, 2011.
The event, which attracts more and more festival-goers with each passing
year, not only allowed attendees to explore Armenian culture through special
foods, live music, dance performances, and exhibits, but was also a
meeting-ground for families and friends to reunite and share in the
experience of this thriving event.
Kicking-off with an opening ceremony, Master of Ceremonies Arshalous
Darpinyan conveyed welcoming remarks, which was followed by a flag ceremony
by Homenetmen Scouts and the singing of anthems by soloist Anahid Nersisyan.
Arousyak Melkonian, Chairperson of the ARS Regional Executive Board,
delivered remarks, stating "For 10 years, we have seen how our festival
unites our community and, at the same time, allows for the richness and
uniqueness of our culture to beam."
Offering his blessings, His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian
expressed, "Through this and other events, the ARS revitalizes our national
identity by preserving and promoting our centuries' old traditions handed
down from generation to generation. With this festival, our community and
the community at large are offered the opportunity to celebrate our unique
traditions and, most importantly, our youth is more closely familiarized
with our customs, thus, ensuring that our history and culture will continue
to thrive..."
In appreciation of the generosity of sponsors, including individuals, fellow
non-profits, small and large businesses, and medical centers, who have
generously shown their supports towards the annual event and the ARS year
after year, commendations were presented. Also, marking the 10th anniversary
of the festival, a special cake-cutting ceremony was held with participation
of the Prelate, ARF Bureau Member Dr. Vicken Hovsepian, ARS Central
Executive Chairperson Vicky Marashlian and Board Member Nova Hindoyan, and
festival committee members.
>From the moment doors opened to the public until the festival's closing,
attractions for people of all ages to enjoy entertained guests, occupying
both levels of the venue. The lower level offered an intriguing line-up of
cultural exhibits, which took onlookers back in time and featured old-world
displays of artwork, traditional garb of regions such as Kharpert, Lori,
Drabizon, and more, as well as a "lavash"-making demonstration. Armenian
compatriotic unions, such as the
Union of New Julfa, presented traditional pieces dating back decades. Even
meeting the needs of eager, young children, a section was solely dedicated
to children's games and activities.
The upper level, filled with appetizing aromas, was the scene where renowned
Armenian singers, including Harout Pamboukjian and Gagik Badalyan, as well
as many folk dance groups, took to the stage with back-to-back performances.
A main attraction, the re-creation of a traditional Armenian wedding, was a
hit similar to years past, whereby a group of 30 people dressed in authentic
costumes accompany the bride and groom into the hall while lively Armenian
music plays.
The weekend-long event was a celebration of culture in every way possible
and will surely be long-remembered by its attendees.
Proceeds from the festival support the ARS of Western USA's various programs
benefiting the needy, youth, and elderly; social and counseling services;
tuition assistance; scholarships; kindergartens; youth centers; Saturday
Schools and after-school programs.
###
From: A. Papazian
Regional Office
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91202
Tel. (818) 500-1343
Fax: (818) 242-3732
E-Mailf: [email protected]
CONTACT: Talar Aintablian
Armenian Culture Shines During ARS 10th Annual Armenian Festival
In its 10th straight year, the Annual Armenian Cultural & Food Festival,
organized by the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, brought together
crowds from near and far to the Glendale Civic Auditorium on Saturday, April
30 and Sunday, May 1, 2011.
The event, which attracts more and more festival-goers with each passing
year, not only allowed attendees to explore Armenian culture through special
foods, live music, dance performances, and exhibits, but was also a
meeting-ground for families and friends to reunite and share in the
experience of this thriving event.
Kicking-off with an opening ceremony, Master of Ceremonies Arshalous
Darpinyan conveyed welcoming remarks, which was followed by a flag ceremony
by Homenetmen Scouts and the singing of anthems by soloist Anahid Nersisyan.
Arousyak Melkonian, Chairperson of the ARS Regional Executive Board,
delivered remarks, stating "For 10 years, we have seen how our festival
unites our community and, at the same time, allows for the richness and
uniqueness of our culture to beam."
Offering his blessings, His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian
expressed, "Through this and other events, the ARS revitalizes our national
identity by preserving and promoting our centuries' old traditions handed
down from generation to generation. With this festival, our community and
the community at large are offered the opportunity to celebrate our unique
traditions and, most importantly, our youth is more closely familiarized
with our customs, thus, ensuring that our history and culture will continue
to thrive..."
In appreciation of the generosity of sponsors, including individuals, fellow
non-profits, small and large businesses, and medical centers, who have
generously shown their supports towards the annual event and the ARS year
after year, commendations were presented. Also, marking the 10th anniversary
of the festival, a special cake-cutting ceremony was held with participation
of the Prelate, ARF Bureau Member Dr. Vicken Hovsepian, ARS Central
Executive Chairperson Vicky Marashlian and Board Member Nova Hindoyan, and
festival committee members.
>From the moment doors opened to the public until the festival's closing,
attractions for people of all ages to enjoy entertained guests, occupying
both levels of the venue. The lower level offered an intriguing line-up of
cultural exhibits, which took onlookers back in time and featured old-world
displays of artwork, traditional garb of regions such as Kharpert, Lori,
Drabizon, and more, as well as a "lavash"-making demonstration. Armenian
compatriotic unions, such as the
Union of New Julfa, presented traditional pieces dating back decades. Even
meeting the needs of eager, young children, a section was solely dedicated
to children's games and activities.
The upper level, filled with appetizing aromas, was the scene where renowned
Armenian singers, including Harout Pamboukjian and Gagik Badalyan, as well
as many folk dance groups, took to the stage with back-to-back performances.
A main attraction, the re-creation of a traditional Armenian wedding, was a
hit similar to years past, whereby a group of 30 people dressed in authentic
costumes accompany the bride and groom into the hall while lively Armenian
music plays.
The weekend-long event was a celebration of culture in every way possible
and will surely be long-remembered by its attendees.
Proceeds from the festival support the ARS of Western USA's various programs
benefiting the needy, youth, and elderly; social and counseling services;
tuition assistance; scholarships; kindergartens; youth centers; Saturday
Schools and after-school programs.
###
From: A. Papazian