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: Seta Mergeanian
[email protected]
(949) 309-2900 Ext 15 | (888) HYE-FEST (493-3378)
Contact: Paul Aslanian
[email protected]
(949) 309-2900 Ext 11 | (888) HYE-FEST (493-3378)
Images available for download at
September 14, 2007
Third Annual Armenian Festival of Orange County Gears Up for Record
Attendance on October 13th and 14th
Laguna Hills, CA – Unique and spectacular again this year, organizers of
the 3rd annual Orange County Armenian Festival are expecting record
attendance. Originally conceived by Executive Director Paul Aslanian
and a few friends in 2005, the festival has been successful every year.
`The reaction from the Armenian community has been fantastic,’ says
Aslanian. He continues, `People are traveling from as far away as San
Diego and Santa Barbara. We’ve been swamped by support from
organizations so we’re making more room for them to participate. No
one will be turned away. It’s very exciting.’
The festival is a non-denominational, non-political, all-inclusive,
not-for-profit organization administered by non-affiliated independent
unpaid volunteers. `It is the only pan-Armenian not-for-profit
organization in the Southland,’ Aslanian stresses. Festival organizer
Thomas Kalajian adds, `All of us intended the festival organization be
independent from any political or religious governance or influence so
all organizations in the Armenian community would feel welcome to
communicate, cooperate and collaborate on a large scale.’ He added,
`We have a seasoned executive committee who is very grateful to the
dignitaries, community, local, state and national leaders who have given
their support for our vision and purpose.’
The positive outpouring does not surprise Kalajian. `There’s been a
longing for years amongst our community for a way to work collectively,
and now we’re doing it with other like-minded leaders in realizing
that dream for Armenians,’ he said. `It’s especially humbling and
fulfilling for our team to be contributing to protecting our future with
so many other able and visionary community leaders.’
Easy to Find Location
The festival will be held again at the Laguna Hills Community Center on
the weekend of October 13th and 14th located at the corner of Alicia
Parkway and Paseo de Valencia, at 25555 Alicia Parkway in Laguna Hills,
about 1 mile west of the Alicia exit on the 5 freeway.
Beginning at noon each day, the festival continues through 10:00 PM on
Saturday and through 8:00 PM on Sunday. Admission for adults and
children 13 and over is a trivial fee. Children 12 and under are
admitted free.
Guests of all ages and backgrounds are welcome, especially families and
those unfamiliar with fabulous Armenian food, music, dancing,
hospitality and gift ideas, all available at this annual event.
According to city officials, the festival is one of the largest and most
successful events held in the history of the Laguna Hills Community
Center.
Live Music, Authentic Dance Groups and Continuous Entertainment
The only Armenian festival of its kind in Southern California, festival
organizers have planned a stunning program of authentic entertainment,
presented continuously throughout the weekend. Highly trained dance
groups will return, wearing breathtaking costumes from the regions in
Armenia where the dances originate. `Guests will be awed by the grace
and beauty of the women’s dances and the men will perform daring and
thunderous dances with deft footwork displaying their athletic
agility,’ promises festival organizer Christina Krikorian. Complete
performances are scheduled every 90 minutes so guests will never miss an
exiting moment.
New this year, the live music will be provided by Knar, a renowned
Armenian band known for lively dance music. `We plan on having a
dance party atmosphere the whole time,’ adds Krikorian. Added are
several popular Armenian singers to supercharge the musical excitement.
Volunteer instructors will be available at no charge for guests
unfamiliar with Armenian dancing to learn and join in the line dances
where all are encouraged to share their best moves.
Many Varieties of Authentic Armenian Food and Delicious Shish Kebab
`We have taken the authentic food variety, quality and service to new
levels with authentic Armenian recipes for shish kebab, chicken, lulu
and beef, grilled to perfection on the spot,’ says festival organizer
Seta Mergeanian beaming with pride. `And, we’ll have all the usual
savory accompaniments,’ she adds. Several varieties of baklava will
be available as well as other unique desserts to tempt everyone’s
pallet. Traditional beverages, including Armenian coffee, as well as
plentiful bottled water and varieties of soft drinks will be available
to satisfy any thirst.
Children’s Play Village Returns with Full-Day Admission
Expanded will be the Children’s Village area, with bounce houses for
both younger and older children, in addition to availability of cotton
candy and sno cones. One low admission charge covers the entire day for
kids in the Village area, so parents can relax while their children
enjoy the village activities. Clowns, balloons and face painting will
also be available to keep the children entertained. `The children
will have a great time in the Children’s village,’ promises festival
organizer Aret Aramian.
Dignitaries, Officials and International Representatives
Also expanded are the presence of local, city and community
organizations where guests can gather useful information about events
and programs of interest to both the community at large and about
expanding their involvement in Armenian organizations and their
activities. Representatives of the California Trade Organization have
confirmed their attendance for exploring trade opportunities with
Armenia. Dignitaries and representatives of local municipalities, state
and federal representatives have been invited to join the festivities.
Free On-site Parking and Dual Entrances Enhance Guests’ Experience
For the convenience of guests, organizers have arranged plentiful and
convenient free parking areas on the festival site. Dual entrances will
make entering the Festival fast and easy.
Large Covered Dance Floor, Covered Seating, Bussed Tables, Immaculate
Maintenance
Organizers have arranged for the largest tent ever, offering shaded
seating for over 600 guests at decorated tables and comfortable chairs,
ideal for enjoying authentic meals, simply relaxing, or enjoying the
company of friends and the exciting entertainment. A team of festival
staff will clear and clean guest dining tables and maintain the pristine
condition and cleanliness of the garden-like grounds and restroom
facilities. Festival organizers have arranged for the largest dance
floor ever, 900 square feet, this time positioned under the tent itself
for ideal viewing and access by guests.
New Cultural Offerings
Expanded also are the cultural offerings in information booths
representing local and Southland cultural groups, which will enlighten
guests on the charming and amazing history of Armenian accomplishments,
getting handy tips and techniques on Armenian cooking, learning useful
Armenian phrases, exploring the artwork unique to Armenians, and
learning about the rich history and unique architecture of the Armenian
Church, the oldest form of Christianity still practiced today in the
world. Today, scholars worldwide visit ancient Armenian Church sites
conducting research about the early history of Christianity. `Guests
can see and learn lots of interesting things about the Armenian culture
here in one convenient place,’ says festival organizer Krikor
Mahdessian.
Rare Opportunity for Learning and Enjoyment in Festive and Friendly
Environment
Representatives of many Orange County Armenian organizations will be
present so guests may learn more about Armenian groups and activities in
Orange County and in the Southland at large. The friendly atmosphere of
the Armenian Festival, together with the garden setting of the Laguna
Hills Community Center combine to create an ideal environment for
creating new friendships and renewing old acquaintances.
Comfort, Security, Safety and Peace of Mind Planned for Guests
For the protection and peace of mind of festival guests, organizers have
again made arrangements for security presence, both during festival
hours and overnight. Ample lighting will ensure a safe and enjoyable
evening experience. `We’ve thought this through very carefully and
planned for the safety of all our guests,’ says Aslanian. Should cool
weather prevail, organizers have made arrangements for evening space
heaters. Red Cross representatives are expected to provide safety tips
and a fully functioning first aid booth is planned for the care of
festival guests. Direct dispatch from private security personnel to
emergency assistance, police and fire agencies has been arranged in the
event a need should arise.
Shopping Treasures
The shopping experience has been expanded to include more interesting
and authentic gifts and cultural items, some unique to Armenia, and
other unique altogether. Nearly 30 booth holders will provide guests
with truly interesting items of crafts, rare and authentic recorded
music, embroidery, products from Armenia available for purchase.
Commercial booths are available on a first-come basis where no two
occupants will be offering the same goods or services, so guests will
enjoy a variety of unique choices in the park setting. Applications for
commercial booths are available on the Festival’s web site at
About the Organization, Its Purpose and Governance
The Armenian Festival is a qualified tax-exempt organization under the
provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). In its first
year, the Festival donated its net proceeds to an orphanage and in 2006,
the Festival donated funds for education. Letters of appreciation from
the recipients are posted on the Festival’s web site at
Each year, the Festival will provide
increasing support to similar programs as its net proceeds continue to
grow.
Members of the Armenian Festival’s founding Board of Directors and
original Executive Committee continue to serve as unpaid volunteers.
They are business owners, tradesmen, professionals, para-professionals,
executives, retirees, community leaders and homemakers. All share a
steadfast commitment to contributing their time and best efforts towards
betterment activities in fulfillment of their inner sense of duty to
cherish the Armenian culture and serve the community and country in
which they now live and work as productive citizens.
The Festival is as an all-inclusive, pan-Armenian, non-denominational,
non-political, non-religious organization. Each year, all Orange County
Armenian charitable organizations of all beliefs and persuasions are
invited and encouraged to participate as booth holders at special
reduced registration fees. Participating organizations raise awareness
and funds for their organizations, nurture communication, coordination
and collaboration among other participating groups, inform guests of
travel and business opportunities with the Republic of Armenia, and
raise awareness of the rich culture and contributions of the Armenian
people to society.
The mission of the Armenian Festival is to provide financial support for
Armenian charitable organizations, and raise awareness of the Armenian
people and culture by means of authentic, high quality, enlightening and
entertaining activities for the enjoyment of the broader Southern
California public. The Festival’s core values stress the inclusion of
well-intentioned people of all backgrounds, while maintaining the
absence of any political or religious influences or positions. Both the
Mission Statement and the Statement of Core Values are posted on the
Festival’s web site.
Why Volunteers Return Every Year
Festival volunteers have the unique benefit of a rewarding experience in
belonging to a team of motivated and selfless people of all backgrounds
who join in a creative and nurturing environment where innovation and
excellence are welcomed, encouraged and validated. Beyond fun and the
pleasure of meeting new like-minded people, volunteers report a sense of
excitement and fulfillment at belonging to a team of able people doing
meaningful work that makes an observable difference in bettering
conditions.
Volunteers say their involvement is a personally expanding experience,
where they are contributing to an activity that is bigger than them
alone. `The volunteers have as much fun as everyone else,’ says
festival organizer Harry Krikorian. Moreover, high school students may
qualify for credit toward community service requirements. Volunteer
positions are available on a first-come basis. All are encouraged to
apply. More information and applications are available on the
Festival’s web site at
Festival Sponsors are Gracious Benefactors
Festival sponsors, likewise, support the mission and values of the
organization by contributing to the funds available to support the
charitable activities of the Festival. Sponsorships are available at
several levels. Sponsor premiums include VIP seating under the tent,
table service, prominent positioning in the Festival program, and
special acknowledgment at the Festival. Those interested in joining
other sponsors may inquire about arrangements by telephone at (949)
309-2900, by email to [email protected] or by visiting
A Value-Packed Enjoyable Family Experience
Fabulous food, exciting dance groups, live Armenian dance music,
multiple popular singers, unique shopping, comfortable covered seating,
free general parking, premium seating for sponsors and dignitaries,
convenient and easy to find location, a garden setting, impeccable
cleanliness, full security presence, well-lit grounds during evening
hours, bussed tables, affordable admission, and a children’s village
all combine to make an affordable and unsurpassed family experience.
Moreover, a portion of the net proceeds goes toward funding worthy
causes.
More Information Available
The Festival’s colorful flyer, applications for booth reservations,
volunteers or information for sponsors, a photo gallery of prior
festivals, letters of appreciation and congratulations, and much more
information is available by visiting the Festival’s web site at
or by telephoning the 24-hour information
hotline at either (949) 309-2900 or toll-free at (888) HYE-FEST
(493-3378).