Locals Celebrate Sixth Annual Armenia Fest

From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday the Royal Oak Farmers Market will take on a new personality as Metro Detroit's Armenian community celebrates Armenia Fest. 

Started six years ago by a handful of determined and prideful community members with Armenian heritage known as the metro Detroit Armenia Fest Committee in collaboration with the, the festival is an annual authentic celebration of culture, customs, and food. 

"We bring the Armenian community together to one area, and people from many generations celebrate their Armenian heritage," said committee member Jack Alexanian, of Bloomfield Township.

Alexanian, who moved to the township 22 years ago, is the son on Armenian refugees that fled to Lebanon following the Armenian Genocide in 1915. He is too humble to admit, but has one of the more critically important roles in the festivities as a sound technician, said fellow committee member and friend Corinne Khederian.

The highlight of the celebration is generally the performances by the Arax Hamazkayin Dance Troupe, which is comprised of local Armenian youth trained in authentic Armenian folk dance, said Khederian, a Bloomfield Township trustee. The Armenia Fest All-Star Band, under the direction of Vaughn Masropian, will also perform traditional and contemporary Armenian music throughout the evening.

Internationally famous violinist Harry Hovakimian, who plays with Zap Torro, is also scheduled to perform.

Other attractions include a middle eastern-style Bazaar that showcases Armenian crafts, artwork, souvenirs, music, cookbooks, and jewelry.

And don't forget the eats!Authentic Armenian food including kebabs, stuffed grape leaves, pastries, and breads will be available for purchase.