By Gail Lambert
Having spent a summer in Greece several years ago, I am a fervent fan of all things Greek. I revel in stories about the rural Greek way of life out-of-doors, putting food on the table from gardens and late night dancing, feasting and singing. They sleep late, nap in the afternoons and live to be 100!
We can at least play at being Greek the weekend of September 18 – 20 at
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, on Huntington Boulevard, in northeast
Roanoke. Church volunteers cook and serve Greek favorites such as, souvlaki, moussaka, pasticcio and baklava and many other choices, with servers explaining the unique qualities of each dish. This year a drive-through facility located next to the SunTrust Bank on Williamson Road should make it easier for people to try out authentic Greek cuisine.
The Orpheus Band, a traditional Greek band, will do what Greek bands do best – make people move, dance and breathe in the good life. Costumed Greek dancers attract throngs as they move to the age-old music with mesmerizing strength and grace. Shouts of “Opa!” are returned in kind, while men seem to stand a bit taller and women a bit prouder.
Greek souvenirs are sold in the parish hall, converted temporarily into the agora –marketplace; and two round trip tickets to Athens will be raffled off. Proceeds go to the church and community charities. Admission to the festival is free and church tours are part of the offerings.
For more information visit:
www.roanokegreekfestival.com or call 540-362-3601.