Armenian festival is food for the soul
Fundraiser June 3-5 at church in Watervliet offers heavenly delights
Festivals are the most-fun fundraisers a house of worship can have.
And this year, Watervliet’s St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church will triple the fun by expanding its festival to three days. Head over to the lovely church on the hill (it was showcased in the Times Union’s stained-glass series) Friday through Sunday, June 3, 4 and 5.
The festival is famous for its culinary delights like Hye burgers, kebabs and paklava, a pastry that looks like baklava but is sweetened with clove-infused syrup.
But fans will need to show up in person to buy their treats since there is no online ordering this year. There also will be cash raffles attendees can enter.
Menu details are still emerging but there’s usually baba ghanoush, which is similar to hummus if you swapped chopped eggplant for smashed chickpeas, along with vegan options. The Armenian pastries are always a hit with attendees so it’s likely there will be khadayif, a buttery pistachio or walnut dessert. Festival organizers also say Armenian coffee and Armenian wine will be available. The dining tables are covered, so meals can be enjoyed rain or shine. The festival begins Friday, 5-9 p.m. and runs noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Live music will be provided by the Michael Kamalian Ensemble. Cultural dances will be performed and there will be vendors. There will also be a
display called “Little Armenia” to help visitors understand more about Armenia’s history and rich culture. Organizers also promise events and entertainment designed especially for children.
Parking is free. There are golf cart-like vehicles to take visitors from the parking lot to the dining area.