Our Lady of Lebanon Church
Mahrajan

Sunday, August 15, 2010 from noon until 7 pm
Oglebay Park at Site 1, Levenson Shelter Wheeling, WV

     Thanks to our devoted volunteers at Our Lady of Lebanon Church, you don't have to be Lebanese to know the English translation of "Mahrajan" is "festival." For more than 75 years, the Mahrajan has been held in Wheeling, welcoming thousands of people of every ethnicity across the country to share in the rich culture of our Lebanese heritage in almost heaven, West Virginia.

 Our Mahrajan is truly built around a community of devoted believers - in more than one way. The Maronite Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mother each August, and many congregations celebrate their heritage around the Marian Feast.

 Wheeling's Mahrajan began in 1933 to raise funds to rebuild the 10-year-old church which burned to the ground in 1932. Today, perhaps symbolic of the miraculous preservation of the Marian icon that survived the 1932 fire, and the commitment of more than four generations of Lebanese American parishioners, Our Lady of Lebanon Church stands tall above Eoff Street in Wheeling and remains the State's only Maronite Catholic Church.

 So whether you're looking for a weekend get-away or a day of delicious food and unique entertainment, gather your friends and family and join us in beautiful Oglebay Park for our annual Mahrajan in Wheeling.

Mahrajan - Lebanese Festival 2010 - 77th Anniversary - Wheeling, WV

     The Mahrajan, which celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, has been an Ohio Valley tradition since 1933. It is the largest fund raising event for the State's only Maronite Catholic Church, Our Lady of Lebanon in Wheeling. The event is open to the public and is held rain or shine.

     You are all "welcome to be one of our family" (Ahlan Wa Sahlan, Sharfouna!)

Booths and Activities: All Activities open from Noon - 7PM

  • A la Carte Food and Beverages (while supplies last): Traditional Lebanese food including, but not limited to: Kibbee, Lamb Shish Kabob (laham mishwee), stuffed grape leaves, cabbage rolls (mehshe malfoof), shawarma (gyros), Falafel, Tabbouli and Hummus. Baklava and a large variety of Lebanese pastries. Ice cream novelties.
  • Entertainment: Live Middle-Eastern music and dance entertainment will begin at 1PM and continue throughout the day. One hour sets of traditional Dabke music will alternate with half hour sets of Middle Eastern dance shows performed by the Alhambra Dance Troupe with Conchi from Cincinnati.
  • Games, pony rides and activities for children of all ages.
  • Vendors offering souvenirs and hand-crafted items.

Cost: Admission is free of charge. Tickets for food and beverages can be purchased at the festival. Price ranges for single food items from $1-$7 each. All proceeds benefit Our Lady of Lebanon Church.

Table Reservations: Reservations for tables seating up to eight can be made in advance by calling 304-233-1688. Payment of $30 per table is required in advance. Free non-reserved general seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the dining tent.

Additional Information: Call (304) 233-1688 or by email at ololwv@comcast.net

For directions and overnight accommodations, please contact Oglebay Park Visitor's Center at 1-800-624-6988. You may download their directions here.