–Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa–diverse entertainment–and vendors all a part of unprecedented ‘block party’
HOLLYWOOD–The Armenian Cultural Foundation has joined forces with the Armenian Youth Federation – Western Region (AYF-WR)–in coordination with Los Angeles Council President Eric Garcetti–to present a dynamic festival in the heart of Little Armenia on Sunday–May 28–2006.
Though the festival is an annual event for the AYF-WR in celebrating Armenia’s first independence–this year’s celebration is unprecedented because portions of Hollywood Boulevard (between Vermont and Alexandria) will be blocked-off just for the event. The festival is the result of extensive teamwork between Council President Garcetti’s office–the ACF–and AYF–and will include special visits by representatives of the Armenian Consulate in LA–and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
A variety of vendors–diverse entertainers–performers–writers–and organizations will be on hand from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM–highlighting Armenian culture and raising awareness about Armenian history. Traditional Armenian food and artifacts will also be a part of the festivities–all in the tradition of celebrating Armenia’s cultural wealth.
"The Armenian Youth Federation celebrates and recognizes the importance of our nation’s victories in establishing–after 600 years of oppression–the first independent republic of Armenia on May 28–1918–which laid the foundation of today’s independent republic," explains AYF-WR Chairman Tro Tchekidjian.
Entertainment at the festival will also include performances by Element Band–Vokee–Sako–Ara Sahagian–Karnig Sarkissian–Nersik Ispirian–Paul Baghdadlian–Gor Mkhitarian–Ara Shahbazian–and many more. Various dance groups are also scheduled to perform traditional and contemporary interpretations of Armenian folk dances throughout the day.
Organizations participating in the festival include the Armenian Relief Society–Shant Student Association–Homenetmen (Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts)–and the Armenian National Committee of America.
For more information on the festival–please contact the AYF Western Region office at (818) 507-1933 or visit www.ayfwest.org.