Local Assyrian history, culture honored at festival

The Central Valley’s Assyrian roots run deep.

Back to the early 1900s, in fact, when the first Assyrian immigrant settled in Turlock. That more recent history, as well as the culture’s ancient heritage, is being shared at the second annual Assyrian Festival in Turlock this summer. The free community event, which continues all day Sunday at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, offers entertainment, education and plenty of good eats.

This year’s event highlights the region’s Assyrian history. An indoor exhibit includes a history of the Assyrian Church, a display of cultural contributions and a section honoring Assyrian-American settlers in the region and members of the United States Armed forces.

Chief among the honorees are the descendants of the late Dr. Isaac Adams, who was the first Assyrian to settle in Turlock. His son, World War II veteran Henry Adams, and family members were on hand for the festivities and received accolades from local dignitaries.

“It’s wonderful and really amazing to be honored in this way,” said Adams’ wife, Joanne Adams. The Turlock couple has been married for 61 years and their family still owns the first plot of land Isaac Adams settled on off Golden State Boulevard all those years ago.

The first Church of the East parish on the West Coast was established in the Turlock area. The Central Valley now boasts a large and active Assyrian community. A separate Assyrian Food Festival in Ceres, sponsored by the Assyrian Cultural Center, returns for its 19th annual event Sept. 10-11.

This weekend’s festival includes Assyrian folk dancing, music and a parade. Youth from Assyrian churches across the region took part Saturday, showing off colorful cultural garb and folkloric steps.

North Modesto resident Rita Simon’s children took part in the folkloric presentation. The family attends St. George Parish in Ceres and the children are enrolled in Assyrian school there. Simon said she wants her children to learn more about their heritage.

She also said an event such as the festival gives everyone – Assyrians and non-Assyrians alike – a chance to discover more about the Assyrian people.

“You learn something new every time you come about the culture,” she said. “Every year is a new chance to learn more about our history.”

Festivalgoers also can enjoy an array of traditional Assyrian food prepared by local volunteers – from shawarma to kabob and dolmas and pastries – available for purchase.

This story was originally published August 27, 2016 at 6:31 PM with the headline "Local Assyrian history, culture honored at festival."