[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 83 (Friday, May 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2010 GRECIAN FESTIVAL IN WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS

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                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 28, 2010

  Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the St. 
Spyridon Grecian Festival, to be held June 4th, 5th and 6th in 
Worcester, Massachusetts. The Festival has been held biennially in 
Worcester since 1976, and has served as a wonderful exhibition of Greek 
culture, customs, faith and food.
  The St. Spyridon Grecian Festival was founded by Father George 
Stephanides. Upon his arrival in Worcester in 1974, his idea for a 
large Greek festival was met with skepticism. To prove that such an 
event would be viable, Father George organized a small food fair in 
1975. With its success, the stage was set for the first ethnic festival 
of its kind in New England. With over twenty thousand visitors in the 
festival's first year, there was no doubt that the Grecian Festival 
would become a mainstay in the community for years to come. To this 
day, the Festival remains one of the largest in New England, with over 
25,000 attendees.
  For three days in early June, the St. Spyridon Grecian Festival will 
once again open its doors to the community to enjoy the best of Grecian 
cuisine and hospitality. From the abundance of Greek food and homemade 
pastry, to the art exhibits, dance performances, music and cultural 
displays, the Grecian Festival provides the entire community, both 
young and old, an opportunity to experience and interact with Greek 
culture on all levels.
  Madam Speaker, I invite the United States House of Representatives to 
join me in recognizing the St. Spyridon Grecian Festival for the 
important role it has played over the past thirty-four years in sharing 
the wonders of Greek culture with our community.

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