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Big Armenian Festival Aug 12-13-14 In Glenview

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  • Big Armenian Festival Aug 12-13-14 In Glenview

    BIG ARMENIAN FESTIVAL AUG 12-13-14 IN GLENVIEW
    Diane Hardy

    TribLocal
    http://triblocal.com/glenview/community/stories/2011/07/big-armenian-festival-aug-12-13-14-in-glenview/
    Aug 1, 2011

    NO GRAPES TURN SOUR WHEN OLD BLENDS WITH NEW AT MIDWEST'S BIGGEST
    ARMENIAN FEST & GRAPE BLESSING

    Glenview, IL Aug 12-14: It's a typical fest in a quiet Chicago suburb.

    The music is ethnic, the food is tantalizingly Middle Eastern, and
    the dancing is hands-up fun. But...there's one twist. While they are
    dancing and frolicking in summer, the visitors at the Armenian All
    Saints Church on Aug. 12, 13 and 14 don't realize they're partaking
    in a celebratory ritual that is over 1000 years old. The church,
    at 1701 N.

    Greenwood, Glenview, kicks off its Annual Armenian Fest not only
    with ethnic food, music, dancing, and heritage ... but it also hosts
    the oldest ancient tradition the Chicagoland suburbs have ever seen,
    called the Blessing of the Grapes.

    Blending old with new is the theme of this year's fest. Along with
    the Blessing of the Grapes, which includes songs, a symbolic, short
    14 minute service and of course, thousands of Ziplocked grapes, the
    fest incorporates fresh, new items on its activity lineup. New this
    year, a dance party begins Friday and Saturday during fest hours,
    which are 5 pm to Midnight. Visitors can enjoy the live music of the
    Chicago All-Stars Armenian Band, and Armenian DJ Zohrab.

    Tradition mixes it up again with new-style dancing when 20 Armenian
    dancers take the main stage at 8 pm on Saturday and 4 pm on Sunday
    to blend old with new again. The dance group performances are always
    a huge highlight and a great opportunity to see some beautiful,
    graceful talent in breath-taking shimmery outfits.

    Sunday's lineup includes Armenian singer and member of the church
    for 40 years Vatche Zakarian all afternoon, until the Blessing of
    the Grapes at 4:30pm. Donations are accepted for the blessed grapes,
    which prays symbolically for health and a prosperous crop in Armenia
    and the diaspora. Details of this ritual upon request.

    Now nobody can leave without a full stomach, that's the rule of the
    fest say the Ladies Guild who prepare the foods for weeks. Armenian
    delicacies such as cheese and spinach boreg (filled puff pastry) and
    stuffed grape leaves are serious matters to the ladies in the kitchen.

    They also take their rice plaf and hummos and shish kebobs seriously
    too. No joke. You will be tempted by the Bourma (phillo, nuts,cinnamon,
    sugar in syrup), Kadaif (shredded phyllo with walnuts and syrup), all
    recipes carried from the historic Armenian villages with a newfound
    twist. Wine and beer, along with Armenian drinks, are also available
    for purchase. Proper ID is required.

    The raffle drawing is on Sunday and includes a Grand Prize of $1000
    cash, with runner-up prizes as four box seats to the Chicago Cubs game,
    and a 48 inch HD TV. There will also be a huka lounge and backgammon.

    The Armenian Bazaar will be open throughout the weekend featuring local
    artists and artisans, handmade and costume jewelry, arts and crafts,
    pull tabs and other vendors. To be a vendor, call Diane Hardy at 847
    322 4937.

    Kids will really enjoy the Kids Korner, which features carnival games,
    prizes, face painting, entertainment, and as an added attraction,
    includes clowns and balloon animals Saturday 5:30-7:30 pm. Wristbands
    for games are available.

    More than 2,000 people are expected. Parking is free and near the
    church lot. Wear your walking and ethnic dancing shoes.




    From: A. Papazian
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