The Return of the Greek Festival

Festival goers interacted with each other while they got their food and drinks.

Attendees enjoyed sights of the souvenirs.
Photos by Lavonte Dukes

Parents and children enjoyed their time on the playground.

By Lavonte Dukes
Outlook Writer

The Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church hosted the Greek festival on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3. The festival was held on the grounds of the church.

 
The festival presented some of the finest food and culture. This is something that has been going on for more than 30 years with the number of attendees increasing every year.

 
“The festival started about 40 years ago as just a small event amongst friends and family within the people in the community,” said organizer Pete Kolkos.

 
Part of the Greek culture is the family. They came together to make the Greek food, which is the foundation that helped place everything together.

 
During the festival, there was live music, dancing, tours of the church and no one could forget about the food. There was plenty to go around for everybody.

 
The festival served traditional Greek meals. In the Hellenic center, they served Pastitsio, Souvlaki, Spanakopita, Tiropita and they also included a Greek salad with a fresh bread roll.
Inside the church is where they served the Greek desserts to satisfy those who had a sweet tooth for the pastries. And under the tents, they also served Gyros, Souvlaki Deluxe, and Greek seasoned fries.
All drinks were located within the taverna, which included: soft drinks, Greek beer, domestic beer and Greek wine.
“The best part of the festival is sharing the Greek culture and the food with the community,” said Tom Mookas, head of pastries department.
People come intrigued about the Greek culture while sharing the diversity amongst each other.
It is safe to say people really enjoyed the ethnic culture and quality of the food. Sharing the experience in a welcoming environment is enough to make people want to come back next year.
There was a booth for those who were seeking to purchase souvenirs, collectables, prayer beads, jewelry, key chains and dolls imported from Greece.

 
“Eighty percent of my souvenirs are from Greece because when people come here they expect to see things from Greece,” said Mary Duvlaris, Greek merchant.
Duvlaris, who is originally from Greece, said that she has been a part of the festival for 14 years and the souvenirs that she displayed were imported directly from Greece.