Well it’s that time of year again everyone; Schools are back in session, U of A football is up and running full swing, and the St. Demetrios Greek Festival is just around the corner!
This year we’ll be celebrating our 40th anniversary. The main driving force when we started the festival was Olga Gribizis, who is now 91 years young and still swinging and pushing hard. Alongside her, were friends Angie Daley, Archie Diamos and Nora Restinas – aptly nicknamed “The 4 Musketeers.” Back then, the event was called the “Greek Bazaar” where the ladies from The Philoptochos (Ladies Guild) and Greek Orthodox community, made and sold handmade arts and crafts, along with delicious homemade Greek dinners and pastries. Local artisans also were invited to rent tables and sell their merchandise. It became so popular that they hired a band and few years after that, we as children involved in the ethnic folk dance groups, contributed our talents and began performing at these events.
Even during the floods of 1984 we stayed open! We obviously got rained out, but with Olga at the helm insisting we’ll do it again the following weekend, we did! Also, as a bit of significant historical fact, we just learned from Kathy Konst, (Olga’s eldest daughter and the Chair of the Philoptochos at the time), that as a result of the floods, they were forced to get rid of all the extra cheese in the Deli and that is how Saganaki was first introduced to the Western part of the United States or at ANY Greek Festival for that matter! Once again, Olga got out her trusty pans and the flambeing began. The problem was solved and a new Greek tradition was introduced out west! Plus, the icing on the cake … now, 40 years later, Olga’s great nephews, “The Valentine Boys,” are running this year’s Saganaki Booth! OPA!!!
It is a real blessing to look back and see what a few ladies started and how much it has grown since then. In 1986, my friend and first real mentor, Leon Spitzer, would constantly tell me, “Bill, kids are God’s time clock for us adults and we’re not on the earth for very long.” Back then, those sayings did not really register with me, 30 years later however, I’m reminded daily how true these sayings are becoming, especially as I watch my former Sunday School students and now my children, carry on this time honored tradition.
It boggles the mind, once you realize how many years our community has been doing this in spite of what they say about, “Putting three Greeks in a room and you’ll get five opinions!” One thing is for sure, “The Greek Festival must go on!” The dates for the event this year are: September 22nd through the 25th. The link for more info is: tucsongreekfest.com
For years, I worked the Food Line, this year I’ll be at the front bar serving adult beverages, so come by and say “Opa & Yassou!”
That’s it for this time! I look forward to seeing you at the Fest!
Blessings,
Billy A
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