PICNIC IN KALAMAZOO,

CRETAN'S REVIVE 92 YEAR OLD TRADITION!

May 27, 2006

Kalamazoo Cretan Picnic Festivities

Kalamazoo, MI - Memorial day weekend 2006, the chapters of the 4th District Pancretan Association of America sponsored a revival of their nearly century old District Picnic. The event began on Saturday May 27th and the events, fun and sun ended reluctantly on Sunday afternoon. Manolis Tsikoudakis and Dimitris Dallas provided traditional Cretan music for the weekend.

Nearly 200 members representing 10 chapters gathered at River Oaks Park in Galesburg, Michigan for a beautiful day filled with fellowship and bonding.

The weekend's events began on Saturday morning when the organizers set up their equipment preparing a feast of foods to be served throughout the day. This was the largest gathering of members of the 4th District and also the largest gathering of young adults in recent memory.

Everyone enjoyed the music, sports, cards, 'parea', beautiful scenery and endless supply and variety of food.

Most of the attendees didn't want the day to end, and chose to stay Saturday night at local hotels. That evening they enjoyed Greek hospitality at its finest at Theo & Stacy's restaurant. Here the music, food and 'glendi' continued into the early morning hours. Theo and Stacy's enjoyed hosting all of us and enjoyed our dancers so much they wouldn't let us leave!

Those who were able to make it through all the excitement on Saturday came to the park on Sunday morning to enjoy one last day of filoxenia and fellowship. The day ended around 3:00 pm as everyone packed up and left for their homes with fond memories of a great tradition revived.

A special thank you and congratulations was extended to the co-chairs John Marakis and Tony Kareotes and their committees for very capably making the weekend possible. All round kudos to chapters and individuals who attended and volunteered before and during the event, and to those who donated and purchased items and provided much needed essentials, such as, refrigerator trucks, psistaries, and gyro machines.

The 4th district picnic has roots dating back to 1914. We hope to hold this picnic every 2 years with hopes that our district will grow closer and closer together.

Malista!