Opa! Fest Serves Up Greek Food, Fun and Festivities

Regarded as one of the largest Greek festivals in the Metro Detroit-area for nearly two decades, offers Troy and surrounding residents an authentic taste of Greece.

With an array of foods, music and dance performances, marketplaces, a mini marathon, rides and games, Opa! Fest has nearly everything Greek imaginable. Although, there is one exception worth mentioning, as the flaming saganaki has been removed from this year's foods -- Opa!

Saganaki, which roughly translates to "little frying pan," in reference the dish the flambe cheese is often cooked, is still served, albeit fried instead of flamed. John Hilton, who was cooking the melted cheese concoction under a tent at , said the alternative method used to cook saganaki this year is safer to prepare in a tent than the small flaming pan used in the past.

While a degree of pyrotechnics has been removed from the menu, George Mortis, a member of the church, said the event offers plenty of value.

"It brings the people together, family and friends," he said.

Those in attendance Friday were seen chatting with friends over Greek food and drink, playing alongside children near inflatable slides and play rooms, in addition to checking out local jewelry, clothes and pastries.

Steve Sekles, of Livonia, who said he has been to the majority of Opa! Fest events, said he loves working alongside friends and family. On Friday, he said was looking forward to Saturday's celebration and expected to see much larger crowds.