Again, I begin by offering a confession (and I'm not even Catholic). I am one of the few who had never before visited the Greek Festival. However, many who had been told me it was all about the food, and I agree. Indeed, I think they should just go ahead and rename it the Greek Food Festival. By far the space was used mostly for food; the biggest tent being the dining tent, the next largest being used for serving.

Parked cars lined both sides of East Avenue and its side streets for blocks. After circling around, I slid into a spot right in front. I am my own Parking Fairy. Ethnic music floated in the air, mixing with the scent of grilling meats as I made my way to the beverage tent. My game plan was to get some Greek beer and wine, consume while perusing, make my way back to the food tent for dinner, and then again for dessert.

I got a glass of white wine that tasted like, in the words of my friend, a cheap Chardonnay, and a warm beer that tasted nondescript, like a Miller Lite. With these in hands, I walked past the very small stage area tucked into the corner. A band was playing and kids in costume were dancing in a circle. It was then that I mused on how we Americans don't have a definitive ethnic dress. My friend suggested the Pilgrim outfit, but I reminded him they came over in that. Then he suggested the cowboy outfit, but that's sort of regional. Of course, there are the Native Americans, but I was thinking strictly American. We're a melting pot of cultures and religions, coasts and regions...

Back to the festival. The tchotchkes tent, its entrance graced with fake fire cauldrons atop tall columns (tee-hee), held clothes, religious objects, books, packaged foods, jewelry, and metal art. Autographed festival posters were only $5.

There was a children's area with a climbing wall, slide, and a blow-up bouncing room.

On to the food, the lines were long, but this festival is extremely well organized, and they moved quite quickly. Posted above the ordering stands were laminated photographs of the food dishes, reminiscent of a Chinese take-out. Somewhat corny, but informative. They were out of the spanakopita so I got a chicken souvlaki pita sandwich ($7) and some dolmades ($5). Both were good, although I thought the dolmades were going to be warm. Maybe there is a standard, but I don't know what it is. It seems to me it's the luck of the draw whether they're served hot or cold at different restaurants. The food seemed a bit on the expensive side, but as it's a fundraiser, I'm not complaining. For dessert, I got a container of two different kinds of baklava ($5), although I couldn't get a straight answer as to what the differences were. One was the typical triangle dripping with honey, and one was a roll decorated with chocolate icing and a bit on the dry side.

After eating and drinking there really is no other reason to stick around unless you know some folks, which it seemed lots of people did. There were many tables of people just drinking and chatting.

My jury is still out as to whether I'll go again next year. As of now I have the feeling it is a one-time, been there/done that thang for me.

Next up: Dachshund Parade