Local officials in Burbank, CA, celebrated the 20th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, Glendale Mayor Laura Friedman and council members Frank Quintero and Ara Najarian joined thousands of attendees at the Nor Serount Cultural Assoication’s annual Armenian Independence Day Festival at Verdugo Park.

The event featured Armenian-American singers, dancers, musicians and vendors, including the California Armenian American Democrats, a group that encourages the community to get involved in politics and civic issues.

Harut Der-Tavitian, the association's chairman, said the event has grown since it started in 1999, The Burbank Leader reported.