January 2012

For the thousands of Adelaideans who made their way down George Street at Thebarton over the weekend of the December 10 and 11, it was the ultimate escape to a true Greek funfair.

For its organisers, it was a matter of history being made as the success of the event was beyond any expectations.

The George Street Greek Festival made its debut on Saturday 10 December offering visitors the best of Hellenic culture with loads of fun and with a touch of multiculturalism.

An initiative of the GOCSA St Nicholas Church committee, the two-day event featured a variety of food stalls, two bars, Greek art and craft stalls, Greek music and movies store, tables and chairs on the street and live music all day long, transforming George Street to an open air Greek party.

Amongst the official guests that attended the formal part, just after 6pm on Saturday, was Mr Michael Atkinson, Member for Croydon, representing the Premier of SA Hon Jay Weatherill as well as the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Police and Correctional Services the Hon Jennifer Rankine, Ms Vickie Chapman, Member for Bragg, representing the Leader of the Opposition Ms Isobel Redmond, Mr David Pisoni, Member for Unley, Mr Steve Georganas, Federal Member for Hindmarsh, Mr John Trainer, Mayor of West Torrens Council and Major General Vikram Madan, representing the Chairman of Multicultural SA Mr Hieu Van Le.

Mr Nick Portellos, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of SA, who officially opened the festival, welcomed everyone and said the GOCSA has a strong sense of culture and multiculturalism and this is clearly demonstrated through events such as the George street festival.

Among other guest speakers were Mr Atkinson, Ms Chapman, Mr Georganas and the Mayor of West Torrens Council Mr John Trainer. They all congratulated and thanked the Greek Orthodox Community for such a great event.

Following the speakers were presentations and performances from different ethnic groups such the Indigenous Australian Kal -Tin -Jeri dance group, the Youth Choir of the Greek Orthodox Community, Chinese Dancers, the Community’s Dance Groups and the Pyrrhic Dance Association of SA.

The formalities all ended with live band "Kosmos" taking over again and it didn’t take long for the dance floor to fill up.

Meanwhile, queues were getting particularly long outside the food stalls as shashliks, grilled delicacies, yiros, Greek pies and the popular honey puffs were in huge demand.

MC on Saturday was Mr Theo Panagopoulos and on Sunday, popular comedian George Kapiniaris went live on stage bringing along his wit and smart lines for stand up comedy enthusiasts.

Sunday continued with more family fun with live band "Kosmos" doing a second round of Greek hits including a guest appearance from Stathis Papastergos. BBQ’s and grills went into full swing again as George Street’s usual busy character gave way to good food and dancing.

The first of its kind for the area, George Street Greek Festival has undoubtedly sealed its success and organisers are hoping for its return again next year.