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Opa!...Greek Festival Comes to Houston
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YahSU (the phonetic spelling of the Greek word for "Hello"...at least in my interpretation). Greek Festival is already well under way, and I can't wait to spend my weekend drinking Greek wine, eating Greek cuisine, and listening to Greek music. I've traveled to Greece before and fell and love and would give anything to go again, but with the price of travel these days, the Greek Festival is about as close as I'm going to get. So this weekend, I'll savor the food and soak up the sights and sounds and pretend that (at least for a weekend) that I'm back in Greece. This guide to Greek Festival will tell you everything that you want to know about what you can expect this weekend. Opa!
History
In 1917, a handful of Greek immigrants formed what is today one of the largest Greek Orthodox communities in the United States. The vision, foresight and dedication of those few faithful immigrants laid the groundworks for what exists today. From its original location in downtown Houston (what is now Tranquility Park) to the sprawling grounds that border Yoakum Boulevard, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral has become a major force in the religious and social communities that comprise Houston today. Proceeds from the Greek Festival have helped many people through donations to various charitable organizations, such as Children's Assessment Center, S.E.A.R.C.H., the Women's Home, Covenant House, Texas Emergency Aid Coalition (EAC), and the Star of Hope Mission, so this Greek celebration is for a good cause.
Festival Highlights Include:
• Cathedral Tours
• Greek Folk Dancing
• Authentic Greek Foods/Pastries
• Gift Shop
• T-shirts, Videos, CD's, Tapes
• Agora Greek Food Store
• Annunciation Orthodox School Exhibit
• Athenian Playground (Children's Activities)
When
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday - October 1 - 4, 2009.
Where
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral complex
Near downtown and the Museum District
3511 Yoakum Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77006
Free Parking & Free shuttle
Free shuttle from Lamar High School
West "Student" parking lot, 3325 Westheimer
(between Westheimer & West Alabama, and between Buffalo Speedway & Kirby).
Free parking is available for shuttle passengers.
A new "no parking" zone street map has been added to this page
Shuttle Times and Parking Information
Food
"Best Festival Food" honors for the authentic Greek food and pastries prepared by community parishioners from recipes handed down over the centuries.
Tickets
Admission at Gate
$5.00 (adults). Children 12 and under admitted free
Pre-sale Tickets
$18.00 - Includes admission and dinner plate with your choice of Souvlaki or Pastry Box (note: Does not include Gyros).
Entertainment Schedule:
Adult Greek Dance Performances (Church Gymnasium)
Folk Dance Program performed every hour each evening.
Thursday and Friday: begins at 6:00 pm
Saturday: begins at 5:00 pm
Sunday: begins at 4:00 pm
Children's Dance Program
Saturday: 11:30 pm, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm
Sunday: 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm
Greek Musician (Near West Dining Area)
Live Greek music provided by "The Golden Greek," Mr. Alex Kalos. Come practice or learn Greek dancing!
Tour Schedule
Thursday: 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Friday: 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Saturday: 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sunday: 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm
Tours consist of a video presentation on the history of Orthodox Christianity and our Annunciation parish, followed by a question and answer period with the Cathedral clergy. Learn the symbolism of the beautiful Byzantine-style Cathedral.
For more information about Greek Festival including maps, directions, tickets, menus, and a full schedule, visit www.greekfestivalhouston.org .
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