ARS-organized winter wonderland draws thousands

Published: Tuesday January 24, 2012

Kids enjoying sliding on the imported snow.

Glendale, Calif. - Nearly 6,000 children, parents, and visitors gathered at the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA's (ARS-WUSA) Winter Wonderland on January 14-15 at St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale, CA.

The main draw of the two-day event was the snow area, which featured a slide and play space for children. Hundreds waited in line to experience the wonder of snow in Glendale! Several carnival-style attractions, including a Ferris Wheel and Super Slide, also offered great fun for enthusiasts. The venue came alive with children running from one ride to another in anticipation of their next thrill-seeking experience.

"I can't wait to play in there!" exclaimed Arek, 5, and the sentiment was clearly the same for all the children, whose eyes appeared to gleam with excitement.

People also gathered indoors where children's game booths and vendors lined the church hall. Onlookers delighted in the wide variety of festival foods served by volunteers as song and dance performances offered ongoing entertainment.

Reflecting on the event, Dr. Nyree Derderian, Regional Executive Chairperson, remarked "Once again, the ARS turned its attention to the younger generation and succeeded by introducing the ARS in a different way to the public."

Erebouni Dance Group, Holy Cross Armenian Church Dance Group (Montebello), Krounk Dance Studio, and Kilikia Art Studio participated in the dance portion of the program. Song performances were performed by Gevorg Chakmanyan, Varuhi Shahinian, Roberta and Alla Arevyan, Sarkis Tamazyan and Vahe Gharibyan of Hamazkayin's Barouir Sevag Chapter's "Daron" choir, and the Ararat Charter School choir.

Volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this event, which was the first of its kind for the ARS-WUSA. Proceeds from Winter Wonderland will go to the ARS-WUSA's ongoing local and international programs benefiting individuals and communities most in need.