When Greeks share their culture with the community, they make sure no one leaves without at least happy taste buds and a cultural experience like no other.

The Goodwood Greek Festival was no exception as last Sunday, Hellenic sounds and culinary aromas filled the quiet Adelaide suburb of Goodwood, bringing the community together.

An open-air Greek funfair, the 7th consecutive Goodwood Greek Festival, held outside Goodwood Community Centre drew hundreds of local residents and many more from the surrounding areas.

True to its character, the Festival wasn’t short of anything in terms of favourite dishes, traditional sweets, non-stop music and dance performances.

Amongst the official guests who joined the Greek Community at the Festival was His Excellency The Honourable Hieu Van Le, Governor of South Australia, the Hon David Pisoni MP, Minister for Industry & Skills, on behalf of the Premier of South Australia Hon Steven Marshall, the Hon Irene Pnevmatikos, Member for the Legislative Council, The Hon Emily Bourke, Member for the Legislative Council, Mr Steve Georganas, Member for Hindmarsh, Ms Jayne Stinson, Member for Badcoe, Mr Michael Hewitson, Mayor of the City of Unley, Ms Adriana Christopoulos member of SAMEAC , on behalf of Mr Norman Schueler, Chair of SAMEAC, and Peter Tsokas, Chief Executive Office of Unley Council.

Around 1.00pm, MC Mrs Betty Douflias opened the formal part, welcoming official guests and all who were attending.

His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia. who attended the Festival for the first time said he was impressed by the genuine and warm friendship and hospitality displayed to him and his wife Mrs Lan Le.

He also praised the Greek Community for contributing to the evolving multicultural character of the State through events such as that.

“South Australia’s Greek community has been fundamental to the development of our harmonious, vibrant multicultural society here in South Australia.

This festival is just one of the great examples of how the community gives back to the broader South Australian community, and in particular the people of the local area,” he said.

On behalf of the South Australian Government, Minister for Industry and Skills Hon David Pisoni thanked the Greek Community and the organisers of the Festival for bringing such a vibrant event in his electorate.

“It’s always a pleasure to attend this Festival and immerse myself in the beauty of the Greek culture,” he said.

The official part continued with short speeches by His Eminence Bishop of S.Australia Chrisostomos and the Chair of the Sts Constantine & Hellen Church Fellowship Mrs Georgia Vlahos.

The Community’s Dance Academy offered yet again a spectacular show with its talented students performing routines from many parts of Greece.

Official guests and festival goers were impressed by their talent and dance skill.

But the Festival really took off with live band “Notes” playing popular Greek tunes until early evening creating a true Greek atmosphere as the culinary aromas combined with Greek dance music literally offered the best Greek experience, only 15.000kms from the homeland.

It’s worth mentioning that the Goodwood Greek Festival is held as part of the celebrations for the church’s name day which falls on May 21st but to avoid adverse weather conditions, the Festival was held in early May.