By Michael YEGHIAYAN

As two of the Crescenta Valley’s most prominent ethnic groups, the Korean and Armenian communities each possess a rich and vibrant cultural heritage that has developed over the course of centuries. While the two cultures have mostly existed independent of each other, an upcoming event will provide an opportunity for the two groups to come together and share their heritage with the entire community.

Taking place on Sunday, Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Korean Armenian Cultural Festival is designed to celebrate and embrace the ethnic diversity of the Crescenta Valley area and offer participants a chance to experience an extensive sampling of both groups’ cultures. To be held at the Crescenta Valley High School quad, the second annual event promises a day of performing arts, music, food and cultural traditions.

“It is celebrating two of the largest minority groups in the Crescenta Valley area, and it is an important step to bridging any differences between these two communities and helping bring both groups closer together,” said Crescenta Valley Town Council member Harry Leon. “The two communities have very similar traditions; a festival like this can help make our town more vibrant as we share our culture and history with each other.”

Last year’s inaugural event was held over an entire weekend at Crescenta Valley Park. This year’s festival promises to be “more cultural” and have “more focus on diversity.”

Planned by a committee composed of Armenian and Korean community members, the Korean Armenian Cultural Festival is scheduled to offer an entertainment lineup of both modern and traditional styles of music and visual arts.

Cuisine will also take center stage at the event, with festival planners promising an abundant representation of various Armenian and Korean culinary offerings.

The Korean Armenian Cultural Festival is sponsored by the Crescenta Valley Armenian American Community Center and the Korean American Federation of North Los Angeles, and is supported by CV Town Council and other local community groups.

“We are inviting a number of local nonprofit organizations to participate in this great event,” said Leon. “We are offering booths to groups like Prom Plus and the Fire House, and hope to see these community groups join us.”

There is no cost to attend. Crescenta Valley High School is located at 2900 Community Ave., La Crescenta.

For more information about the festival, please visit the group’s Facebook page that can be found at www.facebook.com/CVkoreanamericanfestival.

  MICHAEL YEGHIAYAN