Lebanese Heritage Festival Set for Sunday, September 14, 2014

Scranton, PA, September 06, 2014 --(PR.com)-- With less than two weeks before this year's annual Lebanese Heritage Festival, the parishioners and volunteers of St Ann Maronite Church will be finalizing plans to transform the church and surrounding area into a lively festival celebrating the unique Lebanese heritage.

Now in its 20th year, the Lebanese Heritage Festival takes place Sunday September 14 at St Ann Maronite Church, corner of Price Street and N. Sumner Avenue in West Scranton.

While homemade kibbee, tabouli, and hummus are the main attraction at the event, this year’s heritage festival will also highlight the Lebanese photo booth. Homemade baked Lebanese pastries and other authentic foods will be available to try at the festival or in to-go packages for those who want to stock up. Also returning this year will be the “White Elephant” sale, Gift & souvenir store, auction gift baskets, instant bingo and 50/50 raffle. Add the sounds of a traditional Lebanese music and it's bound to be a great family experience. Other highlights of the festival include a Maronite Catholic Mass celebrated at St Ann Maronite church, 11 a.m. Sunday.

With true appreciation of the church and the opportunity to share cherished traditions that have been passed down through families since 1903, it's not unusual to find several generations of family members working together to bring the church's largest fundraiser to life. “We have as many as four generations working for the church,” one parishioner said.

The Lebanese Heritage Festival is made possible through the efforts of the parishioners and friends of St Ann Maronite Church, who roll grape leaves, make spinach pies, prepare kibbee and bake Lebanese delicacies, as well as promote the event.

Parishioners are quick to point out that the festival would not take place without the various sponsors, donors and community businesses. "You can't hold an event of this magnitude without the generosity of individuals and businesses, as well as the time people give for the church’s annual Lebanese Heritage Festival," festival chairman David Wagner said.

For others, it's the taste of authentic homemade Lebanese food, playing games or mingling with friends. But for all, it's the culture and community warmth that has made the Lebanese Heritage Festival in West Scranton so successful for the past 20 years. Because of the abundance of Middle Eastern cuisine, the festival is recognized as one of the most outstanding annual events in the community.

It's the pride of the Lebanese people, their heritage and ancestry. That pride keeps the festival going. Volunteers make all the food tirelessly; it’s a testimony of their faith, belief and the desire to celebrate the Lebanese heritage and culture.

"It's a lot of hard work, but there's still time for fun and laughter. We all come together for this occasion. You'll see a lot of repeat people, people who have come from the very first festival until now. If you don't get together during the year, you get together at the Lebanese Heritage Festival to catch up with family and friends in one place," one parishioner said.

The Rev. Fr Marini, pastor of St Ann Maronite Church, is excited about the event because "it gives us a chance to highlight our heritage, while acknowledging our spirituality." He encourages everyone to attend.

For more information:
St Ann Maronite Church
1320 Price Street Scranton, PA 18504-3336
Rectory: (570) 344-2129
Church Hall: (570) 344-3921
Email: StAnnScranton@aol.com
Web site: http://saintannmaronite.com/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/stannmaronite.church

Event includes:
Food, featuring: Homemade Lebanese Specialties such as:
Baked Kibbee, Chicken Kabobs, Lamb Kabobs, Grape Leaves, Green Beans & Rice, Hashweh,
Spinach Pies, Cucumbers & Yogurt, Hummus, Tabouli, Mezza, Porketta Sandwiches and freshly baked Zaatar bread.
Assorted Lebanese Pastries
Coffee • Lebanese (Turkish) Coffee • Water • Soda • Seltzer • Beer and Wine
Also featuring:
White Elephant Sale, Auction / Raffle Baskets, Lebanese Photo Booth, 50/50 raffle, Instant Bingo,
Lebanese Souvenir and Gift Shop

New this year:
Lebanese Photo Booth- "Open Air" Professional Photo Kiosk, Middle Eastern backdrop setting,
Middle Eastern Clothing and props. Custom branded photos printed and sold on site.

"Ours is the original and best Lebanese festival in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and attracts many people who patronize this family-oriented event to experience our Lebanese culture. We welcome you to come and share in the fun, music, dance,basket raffle, games, festivities and, of course, our delicious homemade Lebanese Food."

Media Contact
St Ann Maronite Church
(570) 344-2129
stannscranton@aol.com