Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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Culture, Faith and Food Reign at the Greek Festival by STEPHANIE CRIDER heard in Greek taverns today. He's released a CD of Greek Dance Festivalival Good food, culture, music, dancing and great company — what's not to like? music and one of Mediterranean love songs as well and both have met with great It's time for the 23rd Annual Greek Festival and all the fun that comes with it. success across the country. Sept. 6-8 the congregation of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church will host the much anticipated and much loved Greek Festival. No culture can be truly understood without examining its faith. Take a guided tour The entire congregation pulls together every year to host this event, and every of the church and learn more about Greek history and the Greek Orthodox beliefs. It is year the community takes them up on a great time to ask questions and delve deeper into the beliefs that inspire so many their offer of hospitality. The festival people in the community. is centered on outreach and sharing, Books about the Greek Orthodox faith are sold at the market each year. and every year the entire Greek Visitors will find everything from paintings, to clothes to jewelry (including the community pulls together to give the evil eye) at the market. Known as the kako mati in Greek culture, the curse of the locals an opportunity to get to know evil eye is common in many ancient belief systems and has several variations. The our neighbors and their culture a little glass charms that look like eyes are said to protect the wearer against the curse of bit better. the evil eye. "One of my favorite things about The Greek grocery store offers things like olive oil, cooking wines, coffee the Greek Festival is the fellowship and other items that are commonly found in Greek pantries. It is a fun way to and learning more about our religion experiment with new ingredients, or even to pick up some hard to find items that and sharing these things with the will perk up meal time. community," said John Poulos, a Also on display will be a traditional member of the Greek Festival Planning Greek home. Take a peek into the Committee. "I like sharing the positive things that the Greek culture and the simple décor and serene atmosphere Orthodox Church does for the community and sharing our culture and our of a typical homestead that one might heritage." find on a Greek island. Many friendships are formed and memories made when people break bread The raffle each year includes two together. A favorite aspect of Greek culture for many who attend the event, round trip tickets to Greece (or is the food. The Greek Festival features everything from gyros to souvlaki to $2,000). The tickets cost just $5 each. spanikopita. For those who love Greek food this is a great opportunity to taste An addition to this year's Festival the many lovely flavors of the Greek Isles. Lamb, beef and chicken prepared with is a community health fair. Working olive oil and spices make up a portion of typical Greek fare, along with the greens in partnership with Cape Fear and veggies that are used in a refreshing Greek salad. Stuffed grape leaves, or Valley, the Festival will offer CPR dolmades are another popular dish. While parents can enjoy authentic Greek classes as well as screenings for A celebration of culture, faith and food, the Greek cuisine, there is always something for the kids to eat, too. Greek beer and wine, blood pressure and cholesterol. Festival runs Sept. 6-8. which pair nicely with the authentic cuisine are also available at the event. Attendees will have a chance to give Not much finishes off a great meal like an amazing dessert, and local Greek back during a blood drive. pastries can't be beat. This is one of few occasions throughout the year when the "We are hoping this will have a positive impact on the health of Cumberland congregation offers such delicacies in great supply. Filled with honey, nuts and butter, County," said Poulos. baklava is always a hit, but the pastry table is always covered with a variety of delectable Gracious hosts each year, the generosity of the congregation extends beyond the treats like finikia, almond cookies and more. Festival weekend. Several nonprofits in the community benefit from donations that the This year there will be a limited lunch all day Friday, with a full dinner serving Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church bestows upon them. This year beginning at 5 p.m. is no different, as the church plans to share part of the proceeds from this event with the Decked in traditional garb of the Greek Isles, various folk dance troupes perform community. Agencies who will receive funding include the American Red Cross, the Boy each year, showcasing the native dances and dress of their homeland. The troupes Scouts of America, the United Way and the Autism Society. typically perform at various times throughout the weekend and often invite the "If you haven't been you should give it a try," said Poulos. "If you have been before, we audience to join in the fun and try a few of the simpler dances. can't wait to see you again!" "On Friday, we are going to show school-aged visitors to the festival how to Greek The Festival runs Sept 6-8 and is open from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on dance, but we will also give them a geography lecture and show slides of cities, villages Friday; Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; and Sunday from noon until and monuments in Greece," explained Poulos. 6 p.m. Entrance to the event and parking are free, but come prepared Traditional Greek music will be provided by the Nick Trivelas Band, right down to to shop and eat! Find out more about the bouzouki, a mandolin-like instrument that is a staple in this genre of music. the Festival at www.stsch.nc.goarch.org STEPHANIE CRIDER, Editor COMMENTS? Editor@upandcominHis playlist includes not only traditional Greek songs, but songs that can be or by calling 484-2010. gweekly.com. UP & COMING WEEKLY'S Local Classifieds Stedman • Eastover • Spring Lake • Hope Mills • Fort Bragg 4 lines / 7 days = $11.95 All ads online! WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Ask us about Free Ads and Yard Sale Kits! • Contact Christina Edge • classifieds@upandcomingweekly.com 484-1009 www.upandcomingweekly.com AUG. 28 - SEPT 3, 2013 UCW 9