Detroit, MI - “A Taste of Greektown” presented by the Greektown Merchants Association at the International Center at 400 Monroe, Greektown, is in its 17th year. President Dr. Steve Georgiou, owner of the Olympia Restaurant, and President of the Association, advises that the association was started in the early 1950’s in response to the relocation efforts on the part of then City of Detroit’s, Mayor, Albert E. Cobo, whose plan was to build I-375 through the middle of the Greektown. At the time there were some 5,000 Greek families living in the area. The merchants began meeting in an effort to avert the freeway relocations. Group members marched on City Hall, and through their efforts, were able to save the business direct area that remains today.

Dr. Georgiou advises that the association’s present mission is to promote Greek culture, and to continue to enhance and improve the ambiance of the Greektown Business District and the immediate surrounding areas. He advises that the association is working diligently on a project with the city of Detroit to create a series of pedestrian pathways connecting Greektown with the downtown area from the Renaissance Center to Harmony Park.

The Greektown Merchants Association is a 501 (c) 3 organization. This evenings Glendi Festival 2006, is the associations major fundraising event. “A Taste of Greektown” includes a sumptuous buffet from 15+ Greektown Restaurants & Bakeries, Live Greek entertainment by Enigma, Greek Dancing and instruction, and a raffle. The association has 40-50 members and meets bi-monthly at the Athenaeum and 400 Monroe.

500 guests, all sponsored by Greektown merchants, families and friends, attended the sold out event. Each guest was greeted at the door and presented with their personal OPA pin to commemorate the evening. Fabulous raffle gifts were provided by sponsors, Greektown Casino, GMA, Pepsi Bottling, The Athenaeum Hotel, Ted Gatsaros, Fishbones, the Olympia Restaurant and Lavdas Jewelers.

Congratulations to the organizing committee for another fabulous event.

Malista!