Greek life outside the toga (party)

By SARAH KNAACK
Scene Reporter

Baklava, music by Ta Zorbas, a toga party and traditional dancing in folk dress are only a few of the delicious, entertaining and free events during the 2006 Greek Festival.

The event is sponsored by St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, and runs from Sept. 22-24 at Lewis and Clark Landing. Regular adult admission is $3, but Creighton students get in free.

The first Greek Festival was held in 1968 as a fund-raiser for the church, and since then it has become a popular Omaha tradition. Last year it drew nearly 4,000 people.

Today the proceeds go toward repairs, scholarships and missionary work for the church. The celebration, traditionally held in the summer, was moved to the fall partly to accommodate students. A boutique selling imported clothing, jewelry and worry beads from Greece, kids’ games and a taverna are daily attractions.

The event will be packed full of entertainment. Omaha’s own Greek band Ta Zorbas will play throughout, while a toga party wraps up Friday night and Chicago’s DJ Yianni hosts the Greek discothèque on Saturday. Four dance troupes, with dancers ranging from age 6 to 60, will do traditional dancing every hour.

Rob Spaliatsos, assistant director of resident life for facilities and coordinator of this year’s festival, said he is looking forward to the dancing the most.

“It’s a way of being part of the community,” he said.

The festival offers a list of tasty Greek entrées, including gyros, the famous sandwich of beef or lamb on a pita; souvlaki, a marinated pork tenderloin grilled shish kebob on Orsi’s bread; and Spanakopita, a spinach and feta cheese pie wrapped in phyllo dough.

There also will be a pastry booth with customary desserts made with nuts, spices and honey, such as baklava, loukoumades and theples. All the recipes are homemade by church volunteers from recipes handed down from generation to generation.

New this year is an Orthodox vespers service held Saturday afternoon.

“The festival is an opportunity to share the culture of many of our parishioners, as well as their faith,” says Fr. Peter Pappas, the pastor of St. John’s.

Mary Grasela, Arts & Sciences sophomore, traveled to Greece. “I’m excited to go compare and enjoy the different kinds of dancing and food,” she said.

Spaliatsos said he hopes students come down and check out what the festival is all about.

“There’s something for everyone,” he said. “Bring your kids, bring your friends. Just get out there and dance. It’s a lot of fun.”