Our Annual Picnic once again brought together many parishioners and friends to celebrate our Armenian heritage and culture. It was a wonderful day, filled with the traditional Armenian food and music that our community has come to love and expect at this cherished event.
We had great attendance from the tri-state area (NY, NJ, and CT), with guests enjoying delicious Armenian food prepared by the Women’s Guild and Men’s Club. The Grill Teams did an exceptional job grilling lamb, chicken, luleh kebabs, and vegetables. The Women’s Guild, once again, sold out of all their offerings, which included Armenian mezze, desserts, and baked goods. Armenian wine for the event was generously provided by Krush! Armenian Wines.
All of our guests enjoyed dancing to live Armenian music performed by John Berberian & Ensemble. Additional DJ music was provided during breaks by Betty Sagatelian Ortiz.
We were also privileged by the visit of the Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Deputy County Executive Kenneth Jenkins.
Children’s activities were also held on the picnic grounds, including bracelet-making with Ani Kachian, face painting, cotton candy, popcorn, a bouncing castle, and a cornhole game.
Picnic Chair Arek Ohanissian was thankful to former picnic chairs, Elizabeth Shaghalian Vranka and Ann Daw, for their efforts in maintaining and updating the picnic guidebook. Also, the continued support of the Parish Council Chair Arman Bedonian and layout and grilling coordinator Mike Guroian was truly appreciated. The hard work of all the volunteers who prepared food, organized the event, provided entertainment, set up the tables, chairs, and tents, and worked at the picnic made it an extraordinary success.
A special appreciation goes to Gladys Tachdjian and Yn. Dawn Kasparian for planning and leading the baking and cooking sessions, bringing together Women’s Guild members and volunteers to work as a team throughout the weeks leading up to the picnic.
We are especially thankful to all our sponsors—both financial and in-kind—along with food, wine, and raffle donors, and to everyone who purchased raffle tickets.
The Parish Council, Fr. Mesrob, and Picnic Chair Arek Ohanissian would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the volunteers who worked together and greatly contributed to the success of the 2024 St. Gregory Picnic!
