By Pat KRAMER

An estimated 5,000 community members flooded Commerce Avenue in Tujunga for the first-ever Sunland-Tujunga Armenian Arts & Culture Festival, held on Saturday. The event was put on by the Armenian Sasoon Cultural Association, the Armenian National Committee of America (S-T Chapter), the Foothill Record, and Garoun Association.
Admission was free due to an Arts Activation Fund provided by the City of Los Angeles Dept. of Cultural Affairs.

During the 10-hour long festival, dancers in ethnic costumes performed to recorded music entertaining the crowd with colorful and beautiful traditional dances. A highlight of the festival was the presentation of a traditional Armenian Wedding Dance, performed by Adana Dance Group, as well as dances performed by young women and a children’s dance troupe. Armenian singers, comedians and an Armenian rapper also brought the crowd to life.

Over 80 vendors lined both sides of Commerce Avenue showcasing their services and wares with restaurants, businesses of all kinds, and a health zone providing free health screenings. For the children, a Kids Zone included a bounce house, a petting zoo and various arts and crafts.

“It was a privilege to be a part of the team that brought this festival to life,” said businesswoman Sonia Tatulian. “With determination and commitment, this team worked relentlessly in a short amount of time to bring our community together so that we can all learn more about each other and celebrate the diversity of our city.”

Several members of the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council were present to introduce the public to the neighborhood council’s services. STNC President Krystee Clark said, “This is an amazing community event and it’s great to see our community come together and give life to Commerce Avenue.”

Christine Jerian, co-chair of the Armenian National Committee of S-T added, “It was important to us to showcase our Armenian artistry by inviting our neighbors to share in the music and food of our culture in the neighborhood we love while embracing our diversity.”

Major sponsors included the Armenian Apostolic Church of Crescenta Valley, the Sunland Fighting Club, and the Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce as well as support from many local organizations, businesses and individuals.

  Pat KRAMER