On Sat. and Sun., Sept. 11-12, the Greater Boston area will enjoy a spectacular open-air festival featuring some of the leading names in Armenian entertainment, delectable Armenian cuisine (including a special menu for children), and activities that appeal to all ages. Local Armenian organizations will host displays featuring various aspects of Armenian culture.
Featured “Kermesse” (festival) attractions include the fabulous Armenchick, legendary Onik Dinkjian accompanied by master oud player John Berberian and his band, and the Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble, among others. There will be continuous entertainment both Saturday and Sunday.
The weekend festivities will take place on the grounds of the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) in Watertown and on Nichols Avenue between Bigelow and Elton Avenues, which will be transformed into a mall for the two-day event. The funds raised by the Kermesse will help to maintain the ACEC and its educational and cultural programs, now in its 30th year. The ACEC was established in 1980 and is a duly registered 501(C) (3) non-profit charitable organization.
According to Kermesse chairperson Ara Nazarian, the two-day celebration will showcase the Armenian community as one of the many ethnic groups that have made Watertown a diverse and vibrant community. Since its inception as a community center in 1980, the ACEC has hosted a wide range of educational, cultural, religious, and charitable events.
Individual one- and two-day tickets as well as special reduced rate one- and two-day packages for families will be available online. Kermesse hours on Sat., Sept. 11 are from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sun., Sept. 12 from 12 noon until 7 p.m.
Free parking will be available at the Watertown Supply lot (33 Grove Street), Tufts Health (Grove Street Visitor Parking only), and the Greek Orthodox Church and Watertown Savings Bank lots (Bigelow Avenue). On-street parking is also available.
The Kermesse Committee is comprised of members of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS), St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church Board of Trustees, Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts (Homenetmen), Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Society, and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). All Armenian organizations in the greater Boston area are being invited to provide a display that highlights either some aspect of Armenian culture or their specific programs and activities.
The Kermesse Committee has provided a wide range of advertising options for businesses and individuals to participate in this unique celebration.
For more information, to purchase tickets and advertising options, log onto www.boston-kermesse.org, email us at acec@acecwatertown.org, or call the ACEC Office at (617) 926-6067.
Make a note on your calendar to join us on Sept. 11 and 12 for this end-of-summer open-air spectacular.
Michael Mensoian
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Tickets can now be purchased online.
Tickets are available for one or two day passes. Tickets are also available as a family package.