Summer is the perfect time for a festival and Assumption’s GreekFest, August 18-21, is one gathering you don’t want to miss! If you’re looking for something fun to do with your entire family, attend Assumption’s GreekFest. It’s close to home and it’s a great venue for people of all ages to get out and enjoy good Greek food, entertainment, and culture. “Return of the tried and true traditions as well as exciting new offerings will make this Festival even more outstanding than last year’s”, says Assumption GreekFest Co-Chairperson Tom Thomas. GreekFest Co-Chairperson George Dallas agrees. “Thousands attended GreekFest last year.” “Everyone enjoyed the entertainment, the food and drink and the kids had a ball with all the activities.”
Four full days will be offered this year beginning with Thursday when full festivities begin at 11 a.m. You won’t want to miss Grand Opening ceremonies on Thursday, August 18 at 6:30 p.m. And Festival- goers will have a chance to bid on Grand Raffle.
First Prize- All new Chrysler 200, 2 Yr Pre-paid Lease from Festival Sponsor, Jim Riehl’s Friendly Chrysler Jeep. Second Prize – two airline tickets anywhere in the USA compliments of Cosmopolitan Travel and Four Cash Prizes. Purchase your winning ticket from Assumption Office now.
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Festivalgoers will have the opportunity of touring the exhibit of the Hellenic Room addition that will feature the History of Iconography and the work of internationally known iconographer and artist, Vlasis Tsotsonis. Tours of his work to date in the Church will be given daily. The Hellenic influence from ancient to modern day will be presented through an exhibit from the National Museum in Chicago. A Gift Shop and Bookstore offers selections such as art, jewelry, children’s gifts, costumes, candles, icons, wedding and baptism favors, religious items, books for all ages and much more. The Shop is open all year to the community. The room offers space as well for receptions and small meetings and gatherings. Oral histories and an interactive location map of Greece complete this historic exhibit.
“Kids will have a ball with rides, activities and games planned for them all four days,” says Thomas. Traditional face painting, hair coloring and braiding, tattoos, cotton candy, popcorn, slushies will be enjoyed as well as games for all ages including a basketball shoot. Rides like Pirate Revenge Ship, a Climbing Wall, Turbo Tubs, Obstacle Course, Mechanical Bull, Quarterback Blitz to name a few are most popular. Petting Zoo and Ponies for the little ones has been added as well. Tiger’s Paws along with magicians, balloon man will keep the younger set happy.
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A free family day on Friday, August 19, invites the entire family, including kids, parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles to attend the Festival for free between the hours of 11 am and 4 pm. Popular Gentlemen Of Swing will perform along with other entertainment for all ages.
Assumption Dancers will perform in colorful costumes of the various regions of Greece. The Hellenic Society For The Performing Arts will highlight the performances as well as other guest groups from the metro area. Music will be provided by the Levendes and Oniero. Open dancing will be provided and dancers will even teach the easy steps of Greek Dancing!
Another highlight is the FOOD - Spinach pie, gyros, shish kebob, roast lamb, gyros, coneys, delicious Greek pastries, Greek coffee, baklava sundaes and frappes will be enjoyed again as well as a Taverna tent. Something for every age group.
This year the Marketplace will feature additional vendors with Greek artifacts, icons, statues, jewelry, art and clothing and gifts galore!
“GreekFest 2011 Festival promises to be just as much fun as last year’s”, says Festival Co-Chair Tom Thomas."
"Our focus is welcoming the community with traditional Greek hospitality", emphasizes Co-Chair, George Dallas. Admission is $2 per person and children 12 and under free. On Friday it’s “Family Day” and admission is free from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free parking and shuttle service available for everyone’s convenience.
Festival times are Thursday, August 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 11 p.m.; - Grand Opening at 6:30 p.m., Friday, August 19, from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Saturday, August 20 from 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday, August 21 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. with a Raffle drawing at 7:30 p.m.
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church is located at 21800 Marter Rd in the communities of Grosse Pointe Woods and St. Clair Shores. For more information call 586-779-6111 Ext 3. Visit myassumption.org or greekfest2011.com. Proceeds from the Festival will benefit outreach programs for the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church and Cultural Center, and the Assumption Nursery School
