November 16, 2011

 It was a dreary autumn day outside the AGBU Alex Manoogian Cultural Centre in Toronto but inside it was just the opposite, bright and breezy; a day many had been anxiously awaiting for a year, the day of the annual AGBU Bazaar. It was a day to meet friends, socialize, catch up on what’s been happening in the AGBU community and of course, take advantage of sampling and stocking up on the wonderful wares and delectable delicacies on display.

An animate and lively crowd began entering the main hall of the Centre as soon as the doors were opened at noon. Savoury aromas drifted throughout the building as parents with their children, grandparents with their grandchildren, couples and singles, young and old, filed by the rows of tables laden with heaps of luscious foods artfully decorated and arranged; a true feast for the eyes. So hard to choose! And once the food was purchased and the seats and tables secured, the consumption of the goodies became a gourmet’s delight. Mmms and yums were heard all around as people tasted their meals. The food was wonderful but the elegantly decorated hall, the memorable music playing in the background, the large cheery crowd present all contributed to create a warm and festive mood that lingered long into the evening, well past when the last morsel of food had been eaten.

Such a day does not just magically come together. It takes a great many people to plan and create such wonderful events. Bravo to all the many master chefs, because that’s what those hardworking AGBU ladies are, who prepared such an incredible variety of palatable foods. Bravo to the organizers, headed by the Executive Director of the Toronto AGBU, Salpi Der Ghazarian. Bravo to the volunteers who decorated the hall, who stood behind the tables and counters, who donated goods or made donations to ensure the success of the bazaar. This was a true collaborative, co-operative and concordant effort in the true spirit of the AGBU. And the fact that the bazaar fell on the 13th of November this year may have convinced those afflicted with triskaidekaphobia into believing that good things can indeed happen on the 13th. For the Toronto AGBU Bazaar of 2011 was definitely a good thing; in fact for those of us who were lucky enough to be there, it was a very very good thing. Can’t wait until next year!

Dr. Isa Basmajian