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The Armenian Festival of Orange County
PO Box 3136
Laguna Hills, CA 92654-3136
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Tom Kalajian
[email protected]
(949) 309-2900 Ext 17 | (888) HYE-FEST (493-3378)
Contact: Paul Aslanian
[email protected]
(949) 309-2900 Ext 11 | (888) HYE-FEST (493-3378)
Monday, July 14, 2008
Armenian Festival Organizers Introduce Armenian Food to 15,000 at Laguna
Hills, CA Annual July 4th City Celebration
Laguna Hills, CA (July 4, 2008) - Hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled corn on the
cob and pizza -- all traditional fare at July 4th celebrations across the
nation. Great live rock music, spectacular fireworks, great weather and
plenty of spacious lawns to relax; who could ask for more? But wait! What
about shish kebab, pilaf and hummus? For the first time in the history of
the City, Armenian Festival of Orange County (AFOC) executive committee
volunteers introduced Armenian shish kebab and all the fix'ns to a crowd
estimated at upwards of 15,000 at the annual July 4th celebration sponsored
by the City of Laguna Hills, at the Laguna Hills Community Center.
Laguna Hills, an upscale city in Southern California's affluent Orange
County, has been a leader in multi-cultural venues, and the home of the
annual Armenian Festival of Orange County since its founding in 2005.
Armenian Festival organizers volunteering for the day included Executive
Director Paul Aslanian, and committee members Krikor Mahdessian, Greg
Sermabeikian, Annette Sermabeikian, Rosemary Saatjian, Lydia Tutunjian,
Karmen Garakian, Tom Kalajian and Alishan Halebian.
Originally conceived by Executive Director Paul Aslanian and a few friends
in 2005, the Armenian Festival of Orange County has grown each year, and is
now in its fourth year. The festival is being held this year on the weekend
of September 13 and 14, at the same location, the Laguna Hills Community
Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA. Admission is trivial for
guests 12 and over, while children under 12 are free.
New this year will be two live Armenian bands. Returning from last year
will be the Knar Band, known for its popular Armenian music accompanying
multiple popular singers again this year, and, new this year, on Sunday
afternoon, the John Bilezikjian Band will play exclusively authentic
Armenian dance music, from all regions of historic Armenia, for the
enjoyment of guests who prefer traditional Armenian folk dancing.
As another bonus, returning from 2006 will be George Pchakjian, with his
lively party music who will serve as the party master and DJ to keep the
pace exciting and fun for all. In addition, the entertainment will feature
popular dance groups in colorful costumes performing throughout the festival
to showcase both the dances and culture of the Armenian people.
As always, the food will again be both spectacular and delicious, prepared
to exacting standards of professional authentic food experts, and, again,
served in ample portions at reasonable prices, so the whole family can enjoy
a full day's outing and entertainment.
Festival organizers have planned to offer a unique shopping experience with
vendors offering gifts and mementos at unique booths, as well as local
business enterprises showcasing their offerings for guests. Also returning
this year are the kids zone with bounce houses, cotton candy. The festival
is known for its covered seating for over 500 guests, so all can enjoy the
fine food and entertainment in the comfort of shade and bussed tables.
Again this year, sponsors are eager to provide their support for this truly
all-inclusive Armenian event, as the pan-Armenian nature of the festival
encourages all Armenians to gather and celebrate their rich heritage and
culture. The Armenian Festival, Inc. a non-denominational, non-political,
all-inclusive, qualified tax-exempt organization is administered exclusively
by non-affiliated independent unpaid Armenian volunteers.
The festival's Mission Statement and Statement of Core Values are posted on
its web site, as are letters of appreciation from organizations which the
festival sponsored in prior years. Congratulatory letters from dignitaries
and the festival's colorful flyer, applications for booth reservations,
volunteers or information for sponsors, a photo gallery of prior festivals,
and much more information is available by visiting the Festival's web site
at www.ArmenianFestival.org or by telephoning the 24-hour information
hotline at either (949) 309-2900 or toll-free at (888) HYE-FEST (493-3378).
* * * * *
Captions:
61 Expert pilaf chef Zovig Bartoumian of Laguna Hills, CA proudly
displays her talent at the Laguna Hills, CA July 4th City-sponsored
celebration.
01 Freshly baked baklava awaits thousands who attended the July 4th
event at Laguna Hills, CA celebration, graciously provided by Armenian
Festival sponsor Sarkis Pastry of Anaheim, CA.
41 Armenian Festival Executive Committee members Lydia Tutunjian and
Karmen Garakian make final preparations for the crowd estimated at upwards
of 15,000 at the Laguna Hills, CA July 4th celebration. A full Armenian
plate, including baklava was presented for the first time at the City's
annual event.
48 Armenian Festival Committee Members proudly display Armenian shish
kebab and baklava awaiting the expectant crowd for the July 4th festivities.
PO Box 3136
Laguna Hills, CA 92654-3136
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Tom Kalajian
[email protected]
(949) 309-2900 Ext 17 | (888) HYE-FEST (493-3378)
Contact: Paul Aslanian
[email protected]
(949) 309-2900 Ext 11 | (888) HYE-FEST (493-3378)
Monday, July 14, 2008
Armenian Festival Organizers Introduce Armenian Food to 15,000 at Laguna
Hills, CA Annual July 4th City Celebration
Laguna Hills, CA (July 4, 2008) - Hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled corn on the
cob and pizza -- all traditional fare at July 4th celebrations across the
nation. Great live rock music, spectacular fireworks, great weather and
plenty of spacious lawns to relax; who could ask for more? But wait! What
about shish kebab, pilaf and hummus? For the first time in the history of
the City, Armenian Festival of Orange County (AFOC) executive committee
volunteers introduced Armenian shish kebab and all the fix'ns to a crowd
estimated at upwards of 15,000 at the annual July 4th celebration sponsored
by the City of Laguna Hills, at the Laguna Hills Community Center.
Laguna Hills, an upscale city in Southern California's affluent Orange
County, has been a leader in multi-cultural venues, and the home of the
annual Armenian Festival of Orange County since its founding in 2005.
Armenian Festival organizers volunteering for the day included Executive
Director Paul Aslanian, and committee members Krikor Mahdessian, Greg
Sermabeikian, Annette Sermabeikian, Rosemary Saatjian, Lydia Tutunjian,
Karmen Garakian, Tom Kalajian and Alishan Halebian.
Originally conceived by Executive Director Paul Aslanian and a few friends
in 2005, the Armenian Festival of Orange County has grown each year, and is
now in its fourth year. The festival is being held this year on the weekend
of September 13 and 14, at the same location, the Laguna Hills Community
Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA. Admission is trivial for
guests 12 and over, while children under 12 are free.
New this year will be two live Armenian bands. Returning from last year
will be the Knar Band, known for its popular Armenian music accompanying
multiple popular singers again this year, and, new this year, on Sunday
afternoon, the John Bilezikjian Band will play exclusively authentic
Armenian dance music, from all regions of historic Armenia, for the
enjoyment of guests who prefer traditional Armenian folk dancing.
As another bonus, returning from 2006 will be George Pchakjian, with his
lively party music who will serve as the party master and DJ to keep the
pace exciting and fun for all. In addition, the entertainment will feature
popular dance groups in colorful costumes performing throughout the festival
to showcase both the dances and culture of the Armenian people.
As always, the food will again be both spectacular and delicious, prepared
to exacting standards of professional authentic food experts, and, again,
served in ample portions at reasonable prices, so the whole family can enjoy
a full day's outing and entertainment.
Festival organizers have planned to offer a unique shopping experience with
vendors offering gifts and mementos at unique booths, as well as local
business enterprises showcasing their offerings for guests. Also returning
this year are the kids zone with bounce houses, cotton candy. The festival
is known for its covered seating for over 500 guests, so all can enjoy the
fine food and entertainment in the comfort of shade and bussed tables.
Again this year, sponsors are eager to provide their support for this truly
all-inclusive Armenian event, as the pan-Armenian nature of the festival
encourages all Armenians to gather and celebrate their rich heritage and
culture. The Armenian Festival, Inc. a non-denominational, non-political,
all-inclusive, qualified tax-exempt organization is administered exclusively
by non-affiliated independent unpaid Armenian volunteers.
The festival's Mission Statement and Statement of Core Values are posted on
its web site, as are letters of appreciation from organizations which the
festival sponsored in prior years. Congratulatory letters from dignitaries
and the festival's colorful flyer, applications for booth reservations,
volunteers or information for sponsors, a photo gallery of prior festivals,
and much more information is available by visiting the Festival's web site
at www.ArmenianFestival.org or by telephoning the 24-hour information
hotline at either (949) 309-2900 or toll-free at (888) HYE-FEST (493-3378).
* * * * *
Captions:
61 Expert pilaf chef Zovig Bartoumian of Laguna Hills, CA proudly
displays her talent at the Laguna Hills, CA July 4th City-sponsored
celebration.
01 Freshly baked baklava awaits thousands who attended the July 4th
event at Laguna Hills, CA celebration, graciously provided by Armenian
Festival sponsor Sarkis Pastry of Anaheim, CA.
41 Armenian Festival Executive Committee members Lydia Tutunjian and
Karmen Garakian make final preparations for the crowd estimated at upwards
of 15,000 at the Laguna Hills, CA July 4th celebration. A full Armenian
plate, including baklava was presented for the first time at the City's
annual event.
48 Armenian Festival Committee Members proudly display Armenian shish
kebab and baklava awaiting the expectant crowd for the July 4th festivities.