18th Annual Opa! Fest Ignites Friday In Troy

Kessie Kaltsounis remembers designing the first logo in a small room 18 years ago.

Since then, the festival has grown from attracting a few hundred fans to pulling in thousands of attendees, said Kaltsounis, spokeswoman for , which has hosted the event for nearly two decades.

Known as one of the largest Greek Festivals in the Metro Detroit ara, Opa! Fest includes the talents and help of dozens of organization and vendors contributing more than 800 volunteer hours.

“Each year we try to bring up something different and more exciting,” Kaltsounis said, who said the church is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Among this year's attractions will be Greek singer Anthi Aggelou; and a Greek "Iron Chef" Competition hosted by Chef Deno Challon, head pastry chef at The Lark, in West Bloomfield.

Improvements in communication have aided the growth of the festival, Kaltsounis said, but she credits the quality of the entertainment and freshly made food as the catalyst to Opa! Fest’s success.

“It is a way of us giving back to the community,” she said. “It’s letting them know who we are and to come party with us. Greeks are not the most famous party animals in the world but we come close.”

Schedule of Events

 Friday, June, 24

• 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live Music
• 6 p.m. Opening Ceremonies
• 6:30 p.m. Greek Iron Chef Contest — Appetizer Creations
• 7 p.m.-9 p.m. OPA Dancers
• 8 p.m. Guided Church Tour
• 9:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Open Dancing

Saturday, June 25

• 12 p.m.-11 p.m. Live Music
• 2 p.m. Greek Iron Chef Contest — For 8-12 year-old children
• 3 p.m. Guest Dance Group
• 4 p.m. Guest Dance Group
• 4 p.m. Guided Church Tour
• 4:30 p.m. Guided Church Tour
• 5 p.m. Greek Iron Chef Contest — Main Entree
• 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. OPA Dancers — Grades 11-12
• 8:30 p.m. OMEGA Dancers — Zorba Routine
• 9 p.m. - 11 p.m. — Open Dancing

Sunday, June 26

• 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Live Music
• 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Guest Dance Groups
• 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. OPA Dancers
• 4 p.m. Guided Church Tour
• 4:30 p.m. Greek Iron Chef Contest — Desserts
• 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. OPA Dancers — Grades 6-8
• 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Open Dancing/Closing Ceremonies