The annual Armenian Festival at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet was held Nov. 15-16. The gathering included an Armenian Country Store, silent auction, jewelry and handcrafts, an Armenian book and tape shop, sandwich shop, falafel, historical Armenian cultural exhibit, flea market, children’s activities, gift baskets and more. There was also a main raffle with the first-place winner receiving $2,000, second-place receiving $500 and third-place winning $200. Visitors spent the afternoons enjoying food and live Armenian music. The festival was sponsored by St. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, and admission was free. The proceeds benefit the church and cover expenses for the Youth Group’s summer retreat for sports and scouting. (Herald photo by Steve Popiel/text by Meri R Kennedy)