St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church throws 32nd annual Glendi Festival.
By
Jessica Salmond
| 11:37 a.m. February 6, 2016
East County
Neighbors
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Opa!
The Greek exclamation could be heard shouted across the tent, amid the sound of the band playing traditional music, among the bouncing steps of St. Barbara's dancers, and carried on the aroma of savory lamb shanks and gyros.
The Greek Orthodox Church opened up its church to the community for its 32nd annual Glendi Festival this weekend. The festival raises money for the church's charitable work and also showcases Greek culture. From traditional foods and drinks to dancing and music, the festival is an immersion in the Mediterranean heritage.
"There's just something about the Greek music, the food, the dancing. We enjoy it," said Rob Bard, a Lakewood Ranch resident who attended the festival with his wife, Mary. "They have the best gyros ever."
Diane Kontonickas, Steve Zeris, Dina Hobson and Mary Duvalris, volunteers and vendors at the festival, do a traditional Greek dance.
Jim Alexion of Englewood gets some sides for his meal from Aya Konstantinou.
Connie Keen and John Lewew, volunteers, ran Bakaliko, the "general store" of the festival where visitors could buy Greek foods and spices. Greek oregano is more savory and earthy than other varieties, Keen said.
Mary Blair and Sue Groves of Bradenton enjoy delicious hand-made pastries.
George Karras plays the bouzoki with the band while Christian Lykiardopoulos of Bradenton and Steve Zeris, volunteer, dance.
Harold Brewster with Art of the Lands sold traditional jewelry.
Volunteers and vendors Steve Zeris, Diane Kontonickas and Mary Duvalris dance for a crowd.
Lyn Zynda, Janet Rantis, Irena Jenkins, Joanne Lemire, Chris Rood and Inesse Chichou run the popular pastry booth.
John Rometo, Robert Smith, Demetri Martins, Peter Balos and Romsey Choueiri dance in traditional Greek garb. The boys are members of the church.
Norman and Janet Reetz of Ellenton and Lori and Chris Reetz of Alaska start their meal off with a toast.
The church was opened to tours and visitors to view the mosaics and icons.
Rob and Mary Bard of Lakewood Ranch take a moment to admire the detailed icons inside St. Barbara.
