Opa!, the all-purpose exclamation of delight, can be heard numerous times every fall during the weekend after Labor Day at the Greek Festival held on the parking lot of St. Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church in southwest Springfield. The small congregation is planning its seventh event, this year to be held Friday through Sunday, September 5-7, 2014. Hours are 5 until 10 p.m. on Friday, noon until 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon until 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Ive lived in Springfield for more than 30 years and, during most of that time, when I wanted to get my fix of Greek food and dancing, I had to travel to St. Louis to visit my relatives and join in the festivities at the three Greek Orthodox churches in the area. In the past six years, Ive been able to enjoy eating spanakopita, dancing the kalamatiano and meeting those who appreciate the joy and fun of Greek-American culture right here in Springfield.

Last fall, about 5,000 people passed through the food tent, enjoying a menu of entrees that includes souvlaki (pork or chicken on skewers) and gyros (grilled meat, tomatoes and onions wrapped in warm pita bread with tzatziki, a cucumber/yogurt sauce), favorite side dishes, pastries and Greek wine, coffee and beer.

And then the fun begins. The mesmerizing rhythms of traditional music from the mainland and the islands pulsate and beckon the crowd to join in the native dances of Greecethe sirto, hasapiko, kalamatiano and hasaposerviko. Children wearing traditional Greek costumes perform the yiatros and karagouna and there are special performances of the Zorba dance and original flower and candle dances.

Parish priest Father Andrew Moore will give brief overviews of the Orthodox faith in the church sanctuary. The kids love the inflatables; souvenirs and memorabilia from Greece are for sale in the agora (marketplace).

The Greek Festival at the church, 4200 S Holiday Ave., is free and open to the public.

For more information, call: (417) 841-8586.

Go Back

Comments