Orange County Armenian Festival organizers have planned a full commemorative program for 9/11 this year in conjunction with its sixth consecutive annual festival. In addition to its annual support of local education programs, a portion of the net proceeds this year will be donated to the Orange County Fire Fighter’s Benevolent Association.
Mr. Ara Basil, nationally-renown host, entertainer and comedian, hosts the Armenian Festival of Orange County as the Master of Ceremonies for the 9/11 commemoration, along with the usual festivities, fun and fabulous food
The 9/11 commemoration will begin at 5:00 PM on Saturday, September 11. Highlights will include introductions of community leaders followed by an inspiring presentation by nationally-recognized 9/11 authority, Ms. Angie Kardashian. Following the 9/11 commemoration will be a full concert performance by Element Band, an innovative and internationally-renown group of young talented Armenian musicians with the debut of their musical tribute to 9/11. The full two-day festival cultural program will be coordinated by Master of Ceremonies, national celebrity, host and entertainer, Mr. Ara Basil.
Ms. Angie Kardashian, nationally-recognized authority and speaker on 9/11, will lead the commemoration at the Armenian Festival of Orange County with her captivating presentation on the afternoon of September 11, 2010 at the Laguna Hills Community Center.
Culture and Enjoyment under the Tent or Under the Stars
The festival will be held at the Laguna Hills Community Center, on Saturday and Sunday, September 11th and 12th, in a beautiful park-like setting, with table seating for over 500 guests under the tent or under the stars at night. The grounds are located in the Laguna Hills Community Center at 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, about one mile south from the Alicia Parkway off ramp on the 5 freeway. Alicia Parkway is about 20 minutes south of Disneyland.
The Armenian Festival of Orange County welcomes back in its sixth consecutive year, the Vartan Siranush Dance Ensemble, always a crowd-pleaser, with its colorful traditional costumes, the graceful synchronized movements of the women, and the bold, daring acrobatics of the men, under the masterful direction of choreographers, Vartan and Siranush.
Parking will be ample, convenient, and free either on or near the entrance. The entire community center and parking areas, seating areas and comfort facilities will be well lit at night and continuously maintained by full time professional custodial staff while security is assured by licensed professional personnel. The smoke-free festival will open to the public at noon and close at 10:00 PM on Saturday and 8:00 PM on Sunday. Admission will be affordable at $5 for adults while children 8 and under will be admitted at no charge. Tickets are available on line at the Festival’s web site www.ArmenianFestival.org.
Live Armenian Music Performed by Three Popular Groups
For the third year, the Armenian Festival of Orange County welcomes the return of the Knar Band, who will play modern Armenian dance music and accompany many invited popular guest vocalists. Knar will be performing throughout the festival weekend for the dancing and listening enjoyment of festival guests.
Back by popular demand will be both contemporary and traditional live Armenian music for dancing and listening enjoyment performed by the Knar Band and the John Bilezikjian Band, who will also accompany several popular Southland guest vocalists. The program will also include centuries-old traditional wedding music of "davoul-zourna" musicians, and two musical programs for children by Southland sensations, Maggie Tune Children’s Songs and the Hoy Lari duo, all on the main stage.
Armenian Cooking Demonstration
Along with a full musical program, the festival welcomes back Orange County celebrity chef Ms. Zov Karamardian, founder of the award-winning Zov’s Café, Bistro and Bakeries throughout Orange County, as she demonstrates her tips and secrets of mastering authentic Armenian recipes in the cultural center.
Ms. Zov Karamardian, founder of the award-winning Zov’s Bistro, Café and Bakeries in greater Orange County, will personally provide cooking demonstrations of popular Armenian recipes, offering her unique tips and tricks for preparing delicious and healthy meals in the classic Armenian tradition.
Wide Variety of Delicious, Authentic, Freshly-Prepared Armenian Food
Along with Armenian music, singers and recipes, the festival is renowned for its wide variety of delicious Armenian food, many of which are popular favorites. Guests will watch their favorite chicken, beef and lamb kabobs being prepared on the spot, and see many of their other favorites being freshly made from scratch following centuries-old traditions. All menu items will be available at affordable prices and generous portions.
Professional Dance Group Performances
The festival will include a full line up of cultural presentations, lead by the professional dancers of the Vartan Siranush Dance Ensemble on Sunday. Wearing brightly-colored costumes dating back three thousand years these awe-inspiring dancers will dazzle guests with the flowing grace of the women, contrasted with bold leaps, bounds and towering pyramids of the men.
Appreciation of American Remembrance and Armenian Culture
This will be the ideal event for families and all generations to partake in the 9/11 remembrance, and also enjoy an exciting and wholesome adventure into the rich heritage of Armenian history and its ancient church, great fun and fabulous food in a beautiful park-like setting in the upscale Orange County City of Laguna Hills.
The organization welcomes all Armenian organizations based in Orange County to participate and showcase their unique cultural contributions to festival guests.
Festival organizers are accepting applications for vendor booths, volunteers and sponsors. More information and on-line applications are available at www.ArmenianFestival.org. Information is also available by telephone toll-free at 888-HYE-FEST (888-493-3378) or locally at 949-309-2900.
