Celebrating a culture by sharing its food
St. Spyridon's 16 Annual Greek Food Festival
This weekend I had the pleasure of attending St. Spyridon's 16th Annual Greek Food Festival in Clarksburg, West Virginia (Summit Park). I have been a regular the past five years. During this time, I have met many Greek families, many I consider close friends, learned much about the Greek Orthodox religion, and have made several new friends.
St. Spyridon's cornerstone was laid in 1918 and the church has been serving this tight-knit Greek community ever since. Located in the Summit Park area of Clarksburg, this area had everything it needed to be an independent community. However,many of the once thriving community businesses are now gone, but St.Spyridon sits proudly on the side of one of Summit Park's many rolling hills.
Once, a good friend of mine, Angelo Alastanos, gave me a tour, pointing out the many landmarks, his childhood home, and his proud family garden. We stood on his terraced garden and could feel the old-world charm. Angelo I said," We must come back, open a bottle of wine, enjoy a wedge of cheese and some good bread. It is a wonderful peaceful place. There was music in the air.
Since that day, I have made it a point to always attend the Greek Food Festival, not only to enjoy the obviously wonderful food, but to learn and observe. To me, this festival is like no other. It is based on a centuries old religion and its success has been built on solid leadership, a committed community and family togetherness, I saw first-hand, three generations of one family, all working together. Although many younger members of this Greek Orthodox community have moved to other cities and other states, they all come together, the first week in June for a common purpose - to celebrate their religion, to honor their families, and....to work hard for several days preparing for a two-day celebration - the St Spyridon Greek Food Festival. Grandfathers, fathers and sons... working side by side. Grandmothers, mothers and daughters...working side by side. Those of us outside the Greek community could learn much, if we look with eyes wide-open.
Join me as we take an inside look at this year's festival:
The buffet line is 'manned' and 'womaned' with smiling faces and generous portions.The kitchen is like a well rehearsed orchestra.
(l) Kostaki Alex slices (paper-thin meat for the gyros. (r) George Koutsobaris finishes the meat on his grill. He says, "Fishing on the grill gives the meat that 'special' flavor."
I can never decide between the lamb and chicken - so I get both! And two gyros.
Ran into a special friend "Chef" Chuck Koukoulis. That's George Koutsobaris in the background - still on the grill.
Also reconnected with another special friend, Jim Marsh. I learned very quickly, when with Greek friends, sharing a little Ouzo (Greek liquor flavored with anise) is mandatory. The first clears the way for the second. Salute!
I did miss taking a picture of the Chairman, Steve Sellas. He was busy overseeing all the little details that make an event a success. Steve has been at the festival's helm for several years.
The St. Spyridon Greek Food Festival. A celebration of Religion. Cultural Heritage. Family. And great Food.
If you are in North Central West Virginia the first weekend in June next Summer, make plans to visit the St. Spyridon Greek Food Festival. Your palate will thank you. As will your sense of well-being.
And that's the way I see it.
Until next week, This is Michael saying "Καλή υγεία για εσάς και τη δική σας"