The Armenian Festival of Orange County
PO Box 3136
Laguna Hills, CA 92654-3136
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Tom Kalajian
<mailto:Tom@ArmenianFestival.org> Tom@ArmenianFestival.org
(949) 309-2900 Ext 17 | (888) HYE-FEST (493-3378)
Contact: Paul Aslanian
<mailto:Paul@ArmenianFestival.org> Paul@ArmenianFestival.org
(949) 309-2900 Ext 11 | (888) HYE-FEST (493-3378)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
State, Civic and Community Leaders All Join to Commend Orange County
Armenian Festival
Laguna Hills, CA (Tuesday, August 25, 2009) – "All Armenians can take great
pride in knowing that our culture and its values are being accurately
portrayed," said Orange County Armenian Festival founding Executive Director
Paul Aslanian. "We Armenians know our culture and are proud to share it
with others, but we don’t often get a chance to share it on a scale like
this, with thousands in attendance. Our survey results showed that over
half our guests are new to Armenian food, music and dancing," he continued.
Guest satisfaction survey results also showed that over 92 percent of the
guests rated the festival’s food, entertainment, cleanliness and overall
experience as "great."
California Governor Schwarzenegger’s Representative Ms. Lisa Kalustian
presented Festival Executive Director Paul Aslanian with the Governor’s
Proclamation. Returning again was Orange County Sheriff and Coroner Sandra
Hutchens, Laguna Hills Mayor Allan Songstad, Jr., Mission Viejo Mayor Trish
Kelly, Orange County Supervisor of the 5th District Pat Bates, along with
City Council members Steve Simonian and Jim Gomez from La Habra, and Kirk
Cartozian from Downey. Also congratulating Festival organizers and enjoying
the festivities was Deputy Consul General from the Republic of Armenia,
Honorable Mesrop Shaboyan.
The Armenian Festival of Orange County, now in its 5th year, is being held
again on the beautiful park-like grounds of the Laguna Hills Community
Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway, in Laguna Hills, CA 92653 at the intersection
of Paseo de Valencia, on the weekend of September 12th and 13th. Ample,
convenient parking is free on the property. The festival site is
approximately 1 mile west of the Alicia Parkway exit on the 5 freeway, about
20 minutes south of Disneyland.
Distinctive because of its continuous entertainment, authentic Armenian
food, table seating under the enormous tent, immaculate and beautiful
grounds, affordable pricing and wholesome fun for the entire extended
family, the Armenian Festival of Orange County will feature live dance music
alternating between two Armenian bands under the main tent. The John
Bilezikjian Band and the Knar Band will both be appearing on both Saturday
and Sunday.
New this year are two stages for simultaneous live performances and other
presentations. Back again are spectacular professional dance groups,
cultural exhibits and demonstrations, and over ten popular Armenian guest
singers. Also available will be a Kids Zone with cotton candy, multiple
jumpers, multiple games and prizes, with great shopping for bargain hunters
and wholesome enjoyment for the whole family.
Admission to the Armenian Festival of Orange County remains trivial
for adults, while children age 12 and under are admitted free.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy the music, fellowship, dancing and
delicious food.
Ariel view of site of 5th annual 2009 Armenian Festival of Orange County,
Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway, at the intersection of
Paseo de Valencia. The festival area is shown in the center of the image,
the food service and restroom facilities are top center, the large
children’s playground is shown on the left, and the main entrance is shown
on the right of the image. Source: Bing.com
Site of the 5th Annual Armenian Festival of Orange County, Laguna Hills
Community Center grounds.
Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Armenia, Hon. Mesrop Shaboyan,
center, congratulates Orange County Armenian Festival organizers Paul
Aslanian, left, and Lydia Tutunjian, right.
Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Ms. Sandra Hutchens, second from right,
congratulates Orange County Armenian Festival volunteer organizers Ms.
Rosemary Saatjian, Mr. Paul Aslanian, and Mr. Greg Sermabeikian, left to
right.
Ms. Lisa Kalustian, second from left, representing California Governor
Schwarzenegger, presents the Governor’s proclamation to Orange County
Armenian Festival volunteer organizers Ms. Karmen Garakanian, Mr. Paul
Aslanian, Ms. Lydia Tutunjian and Ms. Rosemary Saatjian, left to right.
Pictured are civic and community leaders join together at the Orange County
Armenian Festival to extend their congratulations and present certificates
of appreciation to Executive Director Paul Aslanian, extreme right. From
left to right, Mr. Yeghig Keshishian of the Armenian Assembly of America,
City Council Member Mr. Kirk Cartozian of Downey, Mayor of Laguna Hills Hon.
Allan Songstad, Jr., Orange County 5th District Supervisor Ms. Pat Bates,
Mayor of Mission Viejo Hon. Trish Kelly, and City Council Members Messrs.
Steve Simonian and Jim Gomez of La Habra.
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