Armenian Fest

What: St. George's Armenian Festival
Where: umm... west?
How much: free!
How to get there: Grand bus #65

As my bus sped west on Grand Avenue, I started to get a little worried. I already live on the West side of the city, so going a half hour more in that direction took me into territory I've never before explored.
I disembarked the bus and walked a few blocks past a Home Depot before I started to hear the promising strains of music. The Armenian Festival was in full swing and it was packed! It was able to be so full because the entire festival was held in the church parking lot. Yes, this was definitely the smallest fest I have attended this year, but also one of the more informative and interesting.

I was joined by my one longtime friend of Armenian descent, Brian. As I scanned the crowd, I was able to see quite clearly the ethnic distinctions present in Brian's features. We made friends at our table and watched some of the fair goers perform traditional Armenian folk dances to the live music being performed. Think the Hora but a bit more complicated and you'll have a good idea of what they look like. If you're even more curious, check out descriptions and videos of the dances here.

After enjoying the entertainment and chatting with our new friends (who cautiously asked me, "Are YOU Armenian?") we wandered past a book tent. Featured books included "Frequently Asked Questions about the Armenian Church". Here's what I learned: Armenian culture seems to be heavily influenced by the genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire in 1915. Consequently, Armenians remain none too fond of Turks. Armenia only recently re-established its own independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. That is all.

When we finished perusing the books, carved wooden crosses, and Armenian jellies (I'm quite sad I forgot to buy a jar of apple/pear) we headed into the church basement for some Armenian food. Brian opted for the Shish Kabob and I went with Tabouleh. My pronunciation was gently corrected by the little old man behind the counter.

I forgot to take this picture until we were mostly done eating, but Brian informs me that the rice and salad included with his kabob were not strictly Armenian. It seems the fair food was mostly Mediterranean in nature and not necessarily straight Armenian. Whatever it was, mine was delicious, A++, would buy again.

We rushed upstairs so as not to miss the Armenian dance troupe that was taking the stage at 4. Our kind new friends had saved our seats despite the growing crowds. The Armenian Dance Company of Chicago is a group of high school and college students who give up their Friday nights to practice traditional Armenian dance. "Oh, how nice," their parents think as their upstanding sons and daughters go to church on Friday night rather than going out with their friends. Obviously these parents have completely forgotten being teenagers. Nothing is more seething with hormones than a good church-sponsored musical or dance troupe.

The girls and the boys each performed a slow dance and a fast dance. Then together they performed a fast dance and an encore. I have to admit that the slow dances were none to enthralling, but the lively fast dances were enthusiastic and performed with honest joy.

After watching the band and the dancers, eating food and visiting the one merch tent, we were pretty much out of things to do at the Armenian Festival. We briefly wandered over by the children's games but decided it would be too creepy to stand in line with the six year olds to
throw balls into the "Potty Toss" (complete with fake linoleum floor!). As you can see it didn't stop us from taking a picture.

Overall grade for the Armenian fest: A solid B. Its small size was more than made up for by the great food and entertainment. I'm lucky to have experienced it with a good friend I should make the effort to see more often.

In other news, Ollie is wearing a cone again, I got a new bike and it says "Caliente" on the side, and I registered for classes yesterday! Two more weeks of summer. (I know, you're all so sad for me).

There are lots of festivals this weekend, too many to list them all here. Click on the metromix Festival Guide link to see what's happening. Bonus is a lot of them are free. See you next week!