Greece Is the Word

It's all Greek to us

Comments (0) By Kim Toms Thursday, May 15 2003

The people who brought you democracy know how to party. First, they invite everybody. The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Scottsdale invites you to the Big, Fat Greek Festival, where you can dance to live music, meet people named Nick, and eat your way to heaven.

Jason Hill

Urning for fun: See what it is like to be Greek at the Festival

Details

Takes place Friday, May 16, through Sunday, May 18. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for seniors, and free for kids. Parking is available at the North Scottsdale United Methodist Church at Scottsdale Road and Cactus; Hope Community Church at Hayden and Sweetwater; and Wal-Mart/Sam's Club at Highway 101 and Northsight. Regular shuttle service is provided. For more information, call the church office at 480-991-3003.

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 8202 East Cactus in Scottsdale, located at the northeast corner of Hayden and Cactus

More About

"The church wants to show the community what it's like to be Greek," says festival chairman Dr. Dean Cummings. Ah, but first, you look a little pale -- so eat. We suggest the dolmades, or stuffed grape leaves. Another bite -- try the tiropites, melty phyllo cheese squares, washed down with Greek wine from the tasting tent. Now toss back an ouzo, and you're ready to dance. Simply join hands with 20 of your newest friends, and they'll show you what to do.

Now that you've worked up an appetite for dinner, opt for a gyro, or pastitsio, a lasagna-like dish, or, of course, moussaka, a meat and eggplant casserole that's the national dish of Greece. Lean back with your coffee and baklava and watch the folk dancers whirl. This is how Zeus feels. The reason Greeks outlive Americans is that they have so much to live for.

Tour the church, shop for gifts, and buy a fistful of raffle tickets to win a trip to Greece. Kids make like grown-ups at these affairs, but can also assemble crafts and scale Mount Olympus, the pintsize climbing wall. Cummings says the church gives a portion of festival proceeds back to the community, so come and meet these good neighbors -- they'll show you how to be Greek for the weekend.