GLENDALE—The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Western USA held its Second Annual Winter Wonderland from January 25 through 27, 2013 at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church grounds in Glendale.
The main attractions were 26 tons of snow and snow slides, amusement rides, and live entertainment. The weather was chilly and at times rainy, but the children came for a unique experience right in their neighborhood.
ARS Saturday School students from the Mayr (Hollywood), Sepan (Glendale) and Talin (La Crescenta) presented recitations, a mini-drama and Armenian songs. The Groung and Ani dance schools presented a variety of dances. Young singing sisters Alla and Roberta Arevian performed. The activities also included face painting, children’s games, book, gift, photo and food vendors. ARS members and volunteers provided a variety of food types to match most tastes for all the children who attended the festival from all over the neighborhood.
Whether it was the Ferris Wheel, the Super Slide or the Pirate Revenge Ship, going on rides for the first time was a thrill for children. It is also fun to watch them putting on their gloves and caps with help from their fathers or mothers to slide downhill on the snow. There were those older children, who preferred to not even put on a jacket, despite the advice of their elders. Then there were those children who preferred to send the snow balls towards their parents…
Carmen Libaridian, Vice-Chairperson of the ARS-WUSA Regional Executive, remarked, “People had a great time. Glendale never has a festival like this and everybody loved it.” She added, “We enjoyed doing it. We are thankful for all our sponsors, who support our programs to help the local community through sponsorships of our festivals.”
The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, established in 1984 and with regional headquarters in Glendale, CA, has 27 chapters and more than 1,500 members in five western states. The ARS-WUSA operates a Social Services Division, a Child, Youth, and Family Guidance Center, and funds numerous youth programs, scholarships, and relief efforts. For further information, please visit www.arswestusa.org or call 818‑500‑1343.
