(Chelsea Update would like to thank Artemis Alex for the information in this story. And, although it is not taking place in Chelsea, it is a unique family event.)
The Ya’ssoo Greek Festival is now in its 10th year at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 3109 Scio Church Road. The festival kicks off Friday, June 10 and continues through Sunday, June 12.
Admission is $3 on Friday and Saturday and is free until 4 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday. Sunday’s admission is $2. Children 12 and under always get in free. Free parking/shuttle at Knox Presbyterian Church, 2065 S. Wagner Rd., ½ mile from St. Nicholas.
As soon as you step off the shuttle, you will be greeted by the sounds and aromas of Greece that will draw you to the many areas of the festival.
Live entertainment features the Greek band Enigma, The St. Nicholas Dancers, Terpsichore Dancers, and the children of the parish who perform traditional Greek dances and invite guests to learn and dance throughout the evening.
“There is something for everyone,” according to Artemis Alex, the festival’s marketing director. “Ya’ssoo is a greeting that is comparable to ‘Aloha’—Hello, Goodbye, To Your Health. Our festival is not only about the culture, the food, and the entertainment, but also the many people who look forward to attending year after year. Generations of families have been attending our festival since it originated on Main Street (in Ann Arbor) in the 1970’s. It was revitalized at our present location in 2007 and is a great way to start off the summer.”
Children always look forward to the face painter who will be available on Friday from 5-10 p.m., Saturday from 12-10 p.m., and Sunday from noon-5 p.m.
The aroma of Greek freshly prepared specials will draw you to the Kouzina where there is a large selection of Entrees and A la Carte meals. Some favorite festival menu items include Pastitsio, a “Greek Lasagna” as well as Souvlaki, Dolmathes—Stuffed Grape Leaves, Gyro and many other entrees that are all prepared onsite. Seasoned Greek Fries with Feta are featured in the Mezedes booth along with Saganaki, Flaming Greek Sausage, and Cheese/Spinach Pies. Refreshments including soft drinks, ouzo, beer, and wine can be purchased at the Taverna.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop at our Kafenio that features a variety of homemade pastries such as baklava with layer upon layer of finely chopped nuts atop buttery sweet filo dough sweetened with syrup and cinnamon make this pastry a true delight. Choose from over a dozen homemade pastries that will top off your meal. Our special St. Nick’s Mix features a variety of pastries.
Continue your celebration of the Greek culture with a visit to the Agora, the Greek Marketplace. The booth displays Greek art and handmade jewelry in addition to clothing, food items, and other items. The Bookstore next door features ceramic items, cookbooks, bookmarks, icons, religious books, and more.
The Hellenic Cultural Exhibit displays a pictorial history of St. Nicholas in Ann Arbor dating back to the 1930’s when the original church was established at 414 N. Main.
Guided tours of the new Byzantine-style church are continuous throughout the event and feature the new iconography that adorns the east interior of the church.
A special Papyrology Exhibit will be displayed in the church at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday with a presentation by Professor Brendan Haug, assistant professor of Classical Studies at U-M.
One lucky festival guest will have the winning raffle ticket and will win a week-long trip to Greece which includes an island cruise.
St. Nicholas supports various charitable groups through festival proceeds. This year 8 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Alpha House of Ann Arbor.
