BURBANK–The 1st Annual Burbank Community Festival was an overwhelming success last Sunday, October 12, as more than 500 residents of the community gathered to enjoy a day at the park with the organizers and friends from the Burbank Armenian Center. The festivities began at 11 a.m. at Robert E.Gross Park in Burbank, where festival-goers enjoyed the perfect weather and vibrant sights and sounds of the Armenian-American community.
Some dignitaries in attendance, who addressed the crowd, included: Burbank Congressman Adam Schiff, Burbank Assemblymember Paul Krekorian, Burbank Police Sergeant Matthew Ferguson, Burbank Fire Chief Tracy Pansini, Vice Consul of the Republic of Armenia Sahak Sargsyan, Burbank School Board member Debbie Kukta and Rev. Father Gomidas Torossian, representing Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America.
Other guests in attendance, were: Burbank Police Chief Tim Stehr, Burbank School Board members Roberta Reynolds and Ted Bunch, Ung Avedik Izmirlian, Chairman of ARF Executive Board and board members John Kossakian & Hovan Tashdian, Ungh Vicky Marashlian, chairwoman of ARS-WR Executive Board, Andre Shamalian and Dikran Hagop Nalbandian, representing Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America .
Ongoing entertainment, a variety of cultural displays, unique vendors, and the aroma of ethnic food lured passersby to participate in the festivities. Well-known singers and performers such as Davoul Zourna, Armen Stepanyan & Henrik Avoyan, Saro’s Dance Group, DJ Raffi, and children’s entertainer Maggie, engaged the crowd throughout the day.
Organizations who call the Burbank Armenian Center home and participated in the festival, included: the Armenian Relief Society "Araz" Chapter, Homenetmen "Sipan" Chapter, the Armenian Youth Federation Burbank "Varak" Chapter, Burbank "Gaydzag" Badanegan Chapter, Raffi Cultural School, Armenian Cultural Foundation of Burbank, and the Armenian National Committee of Burbank.
The festival was sponsored By GOLD Sponsor: Horizon-Asbarez and SILVER Sponsors Karoun Dairies, Aquatron & East 8thGroup, LLC.
In operation for more than 18 years, the Burbank Armenian Center promotes and serves the local community by offering programs which engage local youth, educational and civic initiatives, meetings and forums, as well as partnerships with local schools.
