It's Time to OPA!

One of the many benefits of living near a city like Atlanta is the great opportunity it provides us to learn and appreciate so many different cultures.  Even better, for parents, a great city provides us with ways to have fun and learn, right alongside our children.  

This weekend, you can immerse yourself in one such culture that is rich in tradition, known for its culinary delights and just plain fun.  And, if you have been considering a change of schools, here's a great opportunity to look around at the campus of the Annunciation Day School (ADS).

It's time to Go Greek, Atlanta!  

The Atlanta Greek Festival is going on right now on the grounds and inside the halls of Atlanta's most prominent homage to ancient and modern Greece, The Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

TIMES

11am - 11pm Saturday (tonight, 10/6/12)

11am - 7pm Sunday (tomorrow, 10/9/12)

LOCATION:  Located on Clairmont Rd. between Briarcliff Rd. and LaVista Rd., this festival is truly a unique experience for all ages to enjoy.  

PARKING:  There is FREE PARKING & CONTINUOUS SHUTTLE BUSES from the Century Center Office Park on Clairmont Road, adjacent to I-85.  

The designated parking areas are clearly marked with signs along Clairmont, so be sure to follow them rather than attempting to park at the Cathedral.  

SHOPPING:  Authentic shops with treasures straight from Greece as well as keepsakes of the Atlanta event are all on sale at reasonable prices.  Several booths are set up on the festival grounds as well as inside the Education Building.

CUISINE:  The food is fantastic.  I recommend the Gyros as they were the best I have tasted anywhere in a long time.  The Greek Pizza was also delicious!  Other great dishes were prepared either a 'la carte, or by the plate.  They also served beer, wine and soft drinks.  

You can also enjoy the drive-thru service to bring home authentic Greek classic dishes for your family to enjoy tonight, or freeze and serve later.

KIDS:  We scurried over to the kids' area where our little one made new friends and braved the miniature Ferris Wheel, tea cups and bounce houses and slides, which were well attended and safe.  A character artist was kept busy from start to finish.  The kids were having a great time and we even saw face painting, a must for every young fair-goer these days!

CATHEDRAL TOUR:  A quick tour inside the cathedral was a lovely break as we sat and learned a little about the Orthodox religion, which is a Christian-based faith.  The Cathedral now serves more than 1,000 families in the metro Atlanta area.   

OPA!:  As we ate, we enjoyed the live music and watching the authentic dancing. Every now and then we head shouts of "OPA!!"  Finally we learned the meaning of the word - happiness and joy!  By the time you hear your first "OPA," you will definitely be feeling it, too!

We could all use a little happiness and joy, don't you agree?  So, get out and do something fun. You can't beat the price and you will thank me later!  Now, let's go OPA!