"A Night in Athens" Opa Fest! 2007
By Contributing Writer, Valbona Kociaj

Photos in Gallery

Local dancers, nationally known entertainers (Constantine Maroulis, season four American Idol contestant), and internationally loved cuisine. Those are just a few of the things that were available at the 2007 St. Nicholas' Opa Fest. As you walk in with only a $2 ticket the first thing you see is raffle drawings and jewelry venders. Jewelry designer Stavriana Sirris created some of the most beautiful Greek inspired jewelry just for Opa Fest. Sirris was born in Greece and much of her work reflects the influence of her Hellenic heritage. Joining Sirris were other local venders, Kathryne Winkler of Sterling Heights who was there with her daughter, Mary Winkler. They also design and make many of the crafts they had for sale. They display at many Antique shows and Fall Craft Shows through out the year. Also on display was a Greek cultural exhibit from the collection of John P. Korachis.

One cannot think of Greek heritage and not think of its amazing food, which was readily available at the Fest. The church's chairpersons, Helen Hilton and Kessie Kaltsounis, recruit many of the volunteers from the local area Greek Communities. These volunteers readily donate their time and skills to the church year after year. Andrea, one of the women who helped cook much of the food available for purchase said that the food preparation is a long process.

"We have to take one separate day to cook each dish; it is just too much to do all in one day."

One of the main attractions was Olga Loizon, founder of Olga's Kitchen, making Greek Salad as part of the many cooking demonstrations. "She really had them standing in the aisles, said Assistant General Chairperson, Kessie Kaltsounis.

Today, women are not the only ones slaving in the kitchen for this wonderful event. Outside, one of the food tents is full of men. They all have volunteered between 2-5 years each and love it every time. When asked if they cooked the food that they are serving, Rob Valentino (an Italian, whose wife is Greek) responded,

"Oh, Yea!" His co-worker, George Manolias chips in with "The Fest has grown every year, and we love being able to help out the Greek community. The combo of Constantine and the great sunny weather has made this the best year yet."

And that brings us to the main event, the entertainment. This year, Opa Fest featured a nationally known singer, Constantine Maroulis an American Idol contestant from season four sponsored by the Pegasus Taverna and Mosaic Restaurants. Constantine performed both Saturday and Sunday to an amazed crowd. He sang many of his new songs, some of which are available for purchase on iTunes. The crowd was pleased, especially many of the younger attendees who have followed Maroulis through his career.

"The music is better this year!" Claimed Andrea Orosco, a 15-year-old fan who is also a dancer in the fest. "I voted for him on Idol." Assistant General Chairperson Kessie Kaltsounis reported that several of Constantine's Fans had traveled from through out the United States to attend his concert at the OPA Fest. "They totally filled the Drury Inn and our attendance was up by 17% this year, largely due to his performances."

Enthusiasm was all around Constantine. "The Greek crowd is great to him," his assistant Jamie R. also of New York stated, "he is just great to work for."

And I was about to find out myself just how great Constantine was. Throughout the performance he spoke to the crowd and informed them how many of the songs came about. One of the songs was about an ex-girlfriend in college who not only broke Constantine's heart but also lost his favorite tee shirt. Maroulis and his back-up singer/ one-man band Jim co-wrote the humorous song. Towards the end of the one-hour long concert, Constantine invited many of his young fans on the stage with him as he sang, he also took time after the performance to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. After the concert, I was able to catch up with Constantine and ask him a few questions.

Valbona Kociaj (VK): How proud are you to be invited here specifically by the Greek community?

Constantine Maroulis (CM): It's incredible, they have been supportive of me my whole life not just last couple of years, so it's really an honor to be here. I love being out here with the fans.

VK: We know that you are talented, but do you think they helped you move further along with American Idol?

CM: The Greek community? Absolutely, absolutely, they have been so supportive, there are millions of us so absolutely, without their help I wouldn't have gone nearly as far as I did, or accomplish many of the things that I have accomplished in the last couple of years.

VK: How are things going on the daytime soap opera, The Bold and the Beautiful?

CM: It's wonderful, I love being there. It's a great time, great cast. They have been so welcoming.

VK: Any more acting roles for the future?

CM: Absolutely, you know I am an actor in my heart and soul, so as long as I can get the work I would love to keep doing it.

VK: Being recognized everywhere you go, how has that affected your personal life?

CM: Not much really, it's nice I think when you are a hard working Greek kid from New York you are happy to have the work and the fans and you know how to appreciate it. I grew up in a humble family, with good values and I know who I am so I haven't really changed, I just get more work now.

VK: Thank you for being here.

CM: Are you kidding, thank you.

His lip pouting aside, Constantine was humble, and that is really a quality that you don't see in young stars that are put on a national platform as Constantine has been.

Some tiny dancers dressed in traditional Greek costumes, accompanied by the award-winning group, The Levendes, followed Constantine's performance. The crowd was filled with young people and it was inspiring to see so many of them involved in the traditional Greek dance exhibitions. The fun did not end there for the kids. Moon bounces, obstacle courses and rock climbing walls were set up for them to enjoy.

Austin Vittorelli, a worker for the moon bounce said, "This is really cool, I would stop by for a day or two," even if he was not working. The young people were not the only ones enjoying themselves.

Mr. and Mrs. Lepper of Clawson saw the advertisement for the fest in the paper and decided to come by. "I expected more rides and more games, sort of like a carnival." stated Mr. Lepper. "But the food was excellent, "added Mrs. Lepper, "the dessert was too rich for me."

Fun and excitement were readily available at the Opa Fest, but safety was also important. As police roamed the grounds, Alliance E.M.T. was on hand in case of emergency.

E.M.T. Jim Jabe said that everything was going well; he only "gave out several Band-Aids, and helped a kid with a bloody nose." Jim is from Serbia and this was his very first Greek event.

To think of it, other than Greek weddings and television programs, this was my first Greek event too. I enjoyed myself so much; I forgot that it was even part of my job. As a young woman trying to stay in touch with my heritage (Albanian), events like this are welcomed. If you happened to miss this year's Opa Fest, don't fret. There is always next year, see you there

Valbona Kociaj is currently attending Wayne State University majoring in Journalism. She writes for the Wayne State University student newspaper, The South End. She also is an Albanian Interpreter, whose duties include, reporting to courts and interpreting and translating Albanian to English. Her photographs displayed at the Center of Creative Studies Scholars Annual Art Show received Silver Key awards and prize certificates..

Malista!