The Armenian American community of Southern California concluded its Armenian Independence Day celebrations with a picnic-festival held at the Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian Pre-School on Monday May 31st.

The picnic-festival officially began with the singing of the Armenian National Anthem performed by Sose Keshishian. Thereafter singers Paul Baghdadlian, Harout Hagopian, Nersik Ispirian, Joseph Krikorian, Ara Sahagian, Sako, and Hovannes Shahbazian performed cultural and patriotic songs for a mixed crowd of over 1500.

“We are honored to provide our community a vibrant venue through which they can celebrate our first independence,” said Shant Baboujian, director of the organizing committee. “While celebrating the victories of 1918 however, we must always continue our work to overcome the many challenges our nation faces today,” explained Baboujian.

Over 25 vendors lined the picnic field where they sold artwork, ceramics, jewelry, T-shirts, clothes, and desserts. Community organizations including the Armenian Relief Society, Homenetmen, ANCA, and Pyunic were also available to disseminate organizational information to guests.

The picnic concluded at 8pm with the singing of Aruynod Trosh.