PERSIAN FESTIVAL OF AUTUMN

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IRVINE, CA – Mehregan Organizing Committee of NIPOC (Network of Iranian American Professionals of Orange County) presents “Mehregan2007” to be held on October 13 -14, from 11 am-10 pm at the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center, 88 Fair Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

This two-day outdoor family event, is a showcase of many aspects of Persian culture including art exhibitions, traditional Tea house, music, folk dances, crafts, ancient sports, live performances, pop entertainers, movies, children’s activities, exotic food and different provinces of modern Iran.

Close to 20,000 people attend Mehregan each year which provides great sponsorship opportunities for the business community.

Mehregan 2007 is dedicated to RUMI (Molana), the famous Persian poet. UNESCO has declared 2007 the year of RUMI and we are joining the World community to honor his timeless poetry.

Mehregan is a non-profit event and is created by Mehregan Organizing Committee a volunteer based team with members of all age groups committed to community service. Each year hundreds of volunteers dedicate their time, energy and talents to bring Orange County the Sights, Sounds, and Tastes of Persia.

Mehregan is a celebration of nature in the spirit of Love, Knowledge and Commitment.



Information at: www.nipoc.org or NIPOC Office (949) 851-3993

Media Contact: Nora Valenzuela – Director of Public Relations

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Mehregan 2007 Orange County Persian Festival


[ame="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JrYUGzmMvMs"]YouTube - Mehregan 2007 Orange County Persian Festival[/ame]

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As I walk into the lush desert oasis of the Entry Plaza, I am greeted with warm, sincere smiles and invited onward to experience Mehregan Boulevard. Walking into the festivities, I smell the familiar scent of kabob and start to crave a chaii. But what catches my eye as I’m strolling through are the beautiful panels of artwork accented with colored fabrics, each representing an Iranian province. I stop to read on about the culture of Iranians and the true message of Mehregan.

Now I am departing from Mehregan Boulevard and entering Mehregan Main Street. Its feel is that of a busy outdoor marketplace, displaying various handicrafts and foods from each province. The fountains, decorative balloons, and flags give me the chills, as it all seems so real and exciting. Leaving Mehregan Main Street I now hear the upbeat music of a famous singer and instantly realize they are performing right in front of my eyes. I realize that Mehregan Plaza is the grand centerpiece of the whole experience. The performance is phenomenal and the people around me are so friendly and entertaining. I am laughing at all the performances; the talent show, juggler, and singing competition.

I head over to the fortuneteller and she tells me of my good fortunes and misfortunes but this is all in fun. My little sister runs me to the professional hand painter and I analyze the intricate, traditional Iranian hand painting. I am really craving that chaii now and luckily, I have just spotted the popular tearoom. The room is covered in the most beautiful hand crafted Persian rugs, each arranged so that no floor could be seen. Smoke is coming out of one man’s mouth and I see that the water pipes or hookahs are set up. I join the nearest table to hear a few jokes from the elder men.

Promising to take my little sister to the Kid’s Plaza turned into some laughs with the family. We take our picture around this hilarious camel and I watch my sister get her face painted. Her face was glowing with exhilaration even without the paint. Exiting the Kid’s Plaza, I spot artwork from afar. As I walk closer, I open my mouth in awe. The artists are truly talented and their artworks on display should in reality be in a gallery.

By now, I am starving and I race towards the sensational smells of Iranian traditional foods located in the Food Plaza. I see many familiar faces and we all sit down while I enjoy my chicken kabob, rice, bread, roasted tomato, and drink. This is what you can expect at Mehregan, a rewarding meal.




Mehregan blvd talk about the flags and banners the wind blowing through them

Entry gate few tents with volunteers welcoming people

The assorted sky dancing balloons

The ticket booth is decorated

Entry gate also has characters dressed up

Mehregan gateway very colorful with different fabrics everywhere

Mehregan Main Street is where the provinces are and a big balloon flying over me

Every province has artifacts according to each province

Mehregan smells like foods

Gateway to the children area and the kids are dressed up welcoming to the area

Tearoom you can hear the teacups jingling and colorful fabrics hanging around with pictures of traditional Iranian

Big backdrop with traditional scene from tea house

Youth center

Unity blvd with flags of every country welcoming all types of people.