ARMENIAN FEST SLATED IN GLENVIEW AUG. 12 AND 13
Pioneer Press Online, IL
Aug 3, 2006
On Aug. 12 and 13, the Armenian All Saints Church, 1701 N. Greenwood
Road, Glenview will host its 3rd Annual Armenian Fest. Hours are noon
to 10 p.m. Aug. 12 and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 13.
One special festival feature is the ancient ritual of the Blessing
of the Grapes, slated for 4 p.m. Aug. 13. A service performed by
priests and deacons across the world in August, the gestures welcome
autumn and prayers are for a bountiful harvest. For centuries, farming
Armenians in the small region depended on prosperous crops to survive.
Food featured will include shish kebobs, hummos, flaky spinach pies,
Armenian meat "pizza", pilaf and desserts ranging from paklava to
flat breads made of sweet tahin. Carry-outs will be available.
Free Armenian dancing shows by the local cultural organization and
live Armenian music by the Chicago-based The Mideast Beat are slated
from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12. The Beat, all self-taught from
age 13, have been playing Armenian music together for 30 years.
A kids’ tent will feature a moonwalk, ethnic crafts, carnival games,
face painting and clowns throughout the weekend. Uncle Raffi’s Petting
Zoo Sat at 6:30 pp.m. Aug. 12 and 2:30 p.m. Aug. 13, will feature
animals typical in the Armenian region — goats, lambs and donkeys —
along with other animals kids can pose with and pet.
Ethnic novelties and mementos, arts and crafts will be sold at the
Armenian bazaar. Visitors also can sign up for daily Armenian card
or backgammon tournaments.
Admission and street parking will be free. In case of rain, the event
will be held indoors in spacious hall. For more information, call
(847) 437-4937 or e-mail dhardy@ameritech.net.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress