Baklava, the classic Greek dessert
Over the past darn-near century, Labor Day in St. Louis has become synonymous with spanakopita, bouzouki, and baklava. Is that all Greek to you? No worries. After a few minutes at this weekend’s Greek Festival, hosted by St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, you’ll be shouting, “Opa!” with the best of them.
The festival began 98 years ago as a humble church picnic. “In later years, the '60s and '70s, people in the Central West End would smell the shish kabobs grilling and ask, ‘Can we come?’” recalls Carol Kamburis, a member of the festival’s executive committee.
So the church extended its hospitality to the whole city, and the festival has grown into one of the city’s largest.
“We estimate we have 10,000 people coming through daily,” Kamburis says. "We’re blessed with long lines and people that come year after year. They know we’re all volunteers. They grab their drink and people-watch."
Sure, they’re patient, but things will be easier for them this year. In an attempt to alleviate some of the human gridlock, the festival will close down Forest Park Avenue during this weekend's festival. “We’re a little landlocked,” Kamburis says of the festival site, which is hosted at the church and the adjacent street and tents. Organizers began working with the city at the beginning of this year to get the street closed down for the duration of the festival.
The event features Christos Sarantakis playing live music on the bouzouki (a Greek instrument similar to a mandolin) and traditional dance troupes. Beer and wine will be on hand, as well as Greek cuisine like shish kabobs; the layered dough-spinach-and cheese miracle known as spanakopita; rice pilaf; and tons of mouthwatering pastries.
And while drinks, food, and music make up the cornerstone of just about any festival, there will be plenty more to see. Have you ever wondered about the church itself? Tour it during the festival. (And take in some dancing and pastries while cooling down in the air-conditioned auditorium—the weekend looks like it’ll be a scorcher.)
If airfare to Athens just isn’t in your budget this year, stop by the gift shop. Most of the merchandise is picked up by parishioners during trips to visit family in Greece. Salad dressing made by church members and a cookbook of their recipes will also be available.
The event is free. Park for free in the BJC Garage, just east of the church. The festival happens Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find all of the details at opastl.com.
