64th annual Armenian Food Festival held in Henrico offers variety of food and festivities

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The 64th annual Armenian Food Festival returned to Henrico County on Friday and Saturday with a variety of cuisines for attendees to enjoy. The 64th annual Armenian Food Festival will take place at the St. James Armenian Church, located at 834 Pepper Avenue, from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5. Rafi Guroian, member of the Parish Council, said the festival is Richmond's oldest food festival. "We are very proud of that title," Guroian said. "The food is second to none in Richmond. You're going to get some of the best Middle Eastern food on the East Coast here at the food festival." According to Guroian, the festival is best known for the hye burger, which he describes as an Armenian version of a hamburger served in pita bread. Shish kababs, pilaf and pastries are several other food items offered at the event. Burgers cooking at the 64th annual Armenian Food Festival at the St. James Armenian Church in Henrico County on Saturday, Oct. 5. (Photo courtesy: William Berksteiner, 8News)Attendees eating dishes and treats at the 64th annual Armenian Food Festival at the St. James Armenian Church in Henrico County on Saturday, Oct. 5. (Photo courtesy: William Berksteiner, 8News)A dessert offered at the 64th annual Armenian Food Festival at the St. James Armenian Church in Henrico County on Saturday, Oct. 5. (Photo courtesy: William Berksteiner, 8News)Information about the St. James Armenian Church and its culture at the 64th annual Armenian Food Festival in Henrico County on Saturday, Oct. 5. (Photo courtesy: William Berksteiner, 8News)(Photo courtesy: William Berksteiner, 8News)The 64th annual Armenian Food Festival at the St. James Armenian Church in Henrico County on Saturday, Oct. 5. (Photo courtesy: William Berksteiner, 8News) Guroian said the food festival started as a bake sale run by his grandparents at the church. It was held inside of the church and was take-out only. "Over the years it grew and grew, and [in] about 2000 we decided to bring it outside, and to really open it up, and invite everybody into the parking lot, and to sit and enjoy the food in person," Guroian said. Some of the events at the festival include dances performed by the children involved in the church's Sunday school, church tours and a prayer service for those interested in learning about the Armenian Church. "If you like Middle Eastern food, if you like learning about new cultures, come out to the food festival," Guroian said. "We only do this once a year."