6th Annual Metro Detroit Armenia Fest Enjoys Record Attendance

ROYAL OAK, Mich.—On Sat., July 20, the Metro Detroit Armenia Fest Committee and the local chapter of the Knights of Vartan hosted the 6th annual Armenia Fest at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. The Fest was conceived to honor and showcase Armenian culture, food, dance, and music, and has become one of the areas most anticipated events attracting thousands of compatriots and guests.

Musicians...
Musicians…

A year in the planning, the 2013 Fest featured a rich collage of Armenian culture. Local vendors lined the market offering homemade Armenian food, crafts, jewelry, and cultural exhibits. A fortune-teller read coffee cups while Flutterby the clown entertained the children with balloon animals.

The official opening ceremony at 6 p.m. began with introductions by co-chair David Terzibashian and master of ceremonies Vaughn Masropian. The presentation of the flags and the singing of the American and Armenian anthems were performed a capella by local, renowned vocalist Deacon Rubik Mailian. Co-chair Corinne Khederian recognized and introduced the visiting elected officials and dignitaries. The Armenia Fest All-Star Band, under the direction of committee member Vaughn Masropian, provided live traditional Armenian and contemporary music, including violinist Harry Hovakimian and vocalists Sam Alajajian and Ani Patterson (nee Atikian), enticing guests to dance—and dance they did!

Two performances by the Arax Hamazkayin Dance Troupe were a highlight of the evening. These beautiful youth trained in the art of Armenian folk dance provided flawless performances with beautiful costuming and choreographed dance routines. Their enthusiasm and talent brought the crowd to their feet with great applause.

... and dancers
… and dancers

Two lucky guests went home with raffle items donated by supporters Hagopian World of Rugs (a beautiful “Ararat” rug) and Ed Karamanian (adult mountain bike and helmet).

It was a very special night of camaraderie, pride, and fun for a good cause.

The Fest is free and open to the public and serves as a fundraiser for Armenian humanitarian causes. From this years proceeds, the sum of $4,000 was donated to the Syrian Armenian Relief fund to be distributed through the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the Armenian Relief Society (ARS).

The Metro Detroit Armenia Fest Committee is a group of committed local Armenian-American activists dedicated to presenting programs like Armenia Fest that unite the community and celebrate Armenian heritage. Committee members are Ed Bedikian, David Terzibashian, Corinne Khederian, Agop Alexanian, Ray Boujoulian, Ken Khezarjian, Paul Kulhanjian, Shirley Sarkisian, Angela Hagopian Snow, and Madeline Thomasian.

Guest Contributor

Guest Contributor

Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles or press releases written and submitted by members of the community.

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