If you felt like dancing at, say, around 1 o’clock in the afternoon, you were in good company at the Memphis Greek Festival. Groups of dancers performed at designated times each day at the festival, which was held May 9th and 10th at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Guests were invited to jump in after they finished and try their hand — or feet — in a dance.
More than 10,000 attended this year’s event, estimated Kathy Zambelis, who co-chaired the event with Maria Moore. Admission was only $3 or three cans of nonperishable food.
Traditional dance, shopping, and a kids zone were featured. Food included made-in-house spanakopita and Greek pastries. “We start months in advance to get everything out there,” Zambelis says. “We’re pretty much a well-oiled machine.”
“Biftekia,” a tantalizing concoction, was advertised in front of the booth as “Deliciously Seasoned Meat Sticks Made With Ancient Recipe.” It was served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.
Reverend Simon Thomas, the parish priest, led church tours. His son, Demetri Thomas, who wore a traditional Greek fisherman’s cap, was one of the dancers.
