Parade date stirs controversy

Burbank on Parade organizers set event for April 24, not realizing it is Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.

By Jackson Bell, The Leader

BURBANK — After a tumultuous four months that almost led to the cancellation of Burbank on Parade, organizers have discovered a planning gaffe that could exclude thousands of residents from the annual event.

In mid-February, organizers scheduled the parade for April 24, the same date as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. Many of the city's estimated 10,000 Armenian-American residents will not join the celebration because they will spend the day at homes, churches or rallies throughout the area, remembering the victims of the 1915 massacre, local Armenian leaders said.

"It's unfortunate that they couldn't change the date," said Razmik Hovanessian, a Burbank resident and Armenian-American activist. "We expect our [city] leaders to be smart and wise and avoid coincidences like this."

But the parade, which has traditionally been on the last Saturday in April, cannot be rescheduled this year because of the challenge in coordinating youth bands, drill teams, equestrian entries and representatives from local organizations, organizers said.

"All the plans have been made and $25,000 has already been spent," Parade Chairwoman Joanne Miller said. "At this point, the parade is so far in the can that it's too difficult to switch the date."

Hovanessian and Miller were among several city officials, parade organizers and prominent members of the city's Armenian-American community who met Thursday evening at Vice Mayor Marsha Ramos' request.

The outcome, Ramos said, resulted in an end to any future conflicts.

"There are more details that need to be worked out in terms of next year's date," she said. "But there is a firm commitment that this will never again happen on April 24."

The trouble started when organizers in December sent a letter to the city announcing their decision to no longer proceed with the parade, citing difficulties working with the city's License and Code Compliance Division and Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.

But after the problems were ironed out and the event resumed, awareness of the sensitive date fell under the radar.

"The next thing we knew, the date was publicized and everything was planned in a very short time," Ramos said of the parade, in its 23rd year.

The meeting, however, helped to clear up something that could be perceived negatively by the Armenian-American community, said Hoori Chalian, a resident who is involved with the Armenian National Committee of Burbank.

"I now understand that this was done with no malice," Chalian said. "But it is an unfortunate coincidence, and I appreciate the opportunity to explain where I'm coming from."