Lebanese Festival Returns to Oglebay Park on Sunday

Photo Provided

WHEELING - The table is set for the 93rd annual Lebanese Festival, which returns to Oglebay Park this Sunday, Aug. 9, at the Levenson Shelter.

Hosted by Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church of Wheeling, the festival is open to the public and features live music, inflatable amusements for children, games and activities for the entire family, and everyone’s favorite attraction - authentic Lebanese food.

The Lebanese Festival began 93 years ago in an effort to rebuild Our Lady of Lebanon Church after it was destroyed by fire. Devoted parishioners initiated the Maharajan (festival) to raise funds to rebuild the church.

Our Lady of Lebanon in Wheeling is West Virginia’s only Maronite Catholic Church.

The Lebanese Festival honors the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother and is held annually every August at the Levenson Shelter - Site #1 - at Oglebay Park.

"Our annual Lebanese Festival ensures that culture, traditions, language and values are not lost to time," said Susan John-Burns, marketing and public relations director for the festival. "For Lebanese Americans, cultural events like festivals with dabke dance and traditional food offer an opportunity to share history, reinforce family ties and provide a gathering place to enjoy time together."

John-Burns noted that in the Ohio Valley, cultural celebrations help residents of all backgrounds connect, creating a sense of community, friendship and shared history.

"Our Lebanese Festival is built on faith, family and love," she said. "We invite everyone to join us for a wonderful afternoon of food, fun and entertainment."

Festivities include a Maronite Catholic Liturgy at 10 a.m. on the festival grounds. Mass is celebrated in English, and hymns are chanted in Arabic and Aramaic. Monsignor Bakhos Chidiac, pastor of Our Lady of Lebanon Church, will preside over the Liturgy.

"Our ancestors brought with them from the old country the tradition that is so dear to their hearts which is the devotion to the Blessed Mother on her Assumption Feast Day," Chidiac said. "By preserving that tradition, which includes ethnic food, drink, dance, music and songs, they built a lasting memory ‘nostalgia’ which is dear to everyone. That is why people come to our festival from all corners of the United States to reminisce their childhood memories and celebrate culture and tradition."

Visitors will enjoy Lebanese food featuring a smorgasbord of authentic Lebanese dishes and flavorful festival favorites for all of the food fanatics.

"Some unique things the Lebanese Festival offers include delicious Lebanese food, including kibbee, tabouli, hummus and lamb shish kabob, delectable pastries including baklava and mamoul, and Lebanese wine and beer that are not locally available," said Liz Murad, festival chair. "And of course, Lebanese dancing and live music are a festival favorite."

There will also be shawarma, stuffed grape leaves, meat and spinach pies, zaatar bread, tabbouleh, gyros, falafel and other authentic cuisine. Other beverages will also be available, and food and beverages will be sold a la cart, while supplies last. Both cash and credit cards will be accepted, and an ATM will be available on site.

The David Hakim Ensemble from Cleveland will perform live Lebanese music, and the Tiffani Ahdia Dance Troupe and Our Lady of Lebanon Youth Dance Troupe will perform Lebanese dances, as well.

There will be a marketplace with dry goods, jewelry, T-shirts, aprons and souvenirs for purchase, as well as a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and more.

There is no charge for admission or parking. Free shuttle service will be available from the parking lot to Site #1 from noon to 5 p.m. Open-air seating will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The festival will be held rain or shine.

For event schedules, a food menu and additional details, visit lebanesefest.org or the festival’s official Facebook page, or call 304-233-1688.