Annual Festival Serves Up Authentic Greek Delights

In the mood for something Greek, without the headache of traveling? How do fresh gyros, sizzling roasted lamb and a little baklava on the side sound, accompanied by live music and dancing?

Mark your calendars for a real international adventure and head over to the 37th Annual Indianapolis Greek Festival, held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (3500 W. 106th St., Carmel) on Sept. 10-11. The event, which marks the church’s second year at its Carmel location, will include two full days of music, refreshments and other activities.

“When you come to our event, you will enjoy a genuine Greek experience,” says Matt Albean, co-chair for the event. Matt, along with fellow co-chairs Tony Filis, George Baroudos and other countless volunteers, has been working year-round in order to ensure a successful event.

“Everything we offer is based on the desire to present and promote our Greek heritage in an authentic manner, while also explaining in detail our ancient faith, which is Greek Orthodoxy,” he explains.

“The festival is an opportunity to welcome people into our home once a year,” says Holy Trinity’s Rev. Anastasios Gounaris, also known as Father Taso. Fr. Taso has been with the parish for 19 years and has seen the festival grow into a staple for not only the Greek community, but for entire neighborhoods and extended families.

“Greeks historically have a strong tradition of hospitality. So this event gives us the chance to throw open the doors of our house and invite our family, friends and neighbors in, while also raising money for important causes,” he explains.

The church was established in mid-town Indianapolis (40th St. and Pennsylvania) in 1910, where it remained until two years ago. The new Byzantine temple in Carmel has a membership of over 500 families, and has established itself as an admired structure on the local landscape. In fact, one of the most popular attractions during the festival has become the special church tours conducted throughout the weekend, where visitors are led through the interior of the building.

“At our former location, we were sort of hidden within the community,” says Fr. Taso. “But here with this new facility, being so inspiring in terms of its architecture, people cannot mistake us for anything other than a church,” he says. Fr. Taso feels that the structure itself is an integral part of the church, as it harmonizes and meshes with the Orthodox faith, both symbolically and theologically.

Architecture aside, it wouldn’t be a Greek gathering without mouth-watering food and traditional music. This year attendees can expect to choose from a wide selection of Greek wine and beer, along with delectable menu items like souvlaki (pork or chicken kebabs), saganaki (flaming Kesseri cheese), and diples (honey and cinnamon pastries). One of the new menu offerings for this year is a homemade Greek sausage called loukaniko, which includes such surprising ingredients as orange peel, dry wine and spices.

As for entertainment, The Bill Skimos Band will provide traditional Greek music, and the Holy Trinity Hellenic Dance Troupes will perform in costumes made in Greece, representing the different regions of the country.

“There is so much to enjoy, including a new children’s area,” says Dean Antonopoulos, who serves as the Greek Festival Committee’s secretary. “All our activities for kids will be related to Greece in some way, and there will be hands-on crafts and face painting as well,” Antonopoulos says.

There have also been improvements made since last year, when the festival attracted a record 15,000 over the two days. “We were getting our feet wet in the new location,” explains Antonopoulos. “We just didn’t know how many people would attend, and we didn’t have as much access to parking as we did in our former location,” he explains.

This year, in order to alleviate parking limitations, attendees have access to onsite parking on a first-come, first-served basis, as well as additional parking and shuttle service at 106th and Towne Road in Carmel. Parking will be offered for a nominal fee.

“Those who park and ride will be dropped off right at the festival entrance, and shuttles will run throughout both days for the convenience of our guests,” Antonopoulos says. “Overall, this year’s festival is going to be an amazing experience for both adults and children alike. We are excited to host the event for our community, as there is something for everyone’s tastes and interests,” he adds.

For more information about the festival, including scheduled entertainment, menu and parking details, visit www.indygreekfest.com.