Press Release

ONTARIO, CA (February 10, 2004) - Opa! The Ontario Convention Center will host the 28th Annual Greek Orthodox Folk Dance & Choral Festival, on February 12 through 15. The event will include more than 120 dance and choral teams from seven states including California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia and Florida.

"This is the fifth year that the Greek Orthodox Folk Dance & Choral Festival has come to the Ontario Convention Center," stated Amita Patel, OCVB's director of sales and marketing. "Each year, thousands of people attend to catch a glimpse of the Greek heritage, and they can't seem to get enough of it."

Eight categories will compete for the chance to win gold, silver, bronze and pewter medals. Awards are also presented to teams for best costume, special achievement, outstanding director and music. Categories are determined by age and skill level.

Basile, a nationally-renowned Greek-American comedian, will also be performing at the Ontario Convention Center on Friday, February 13, at 9 p.m. Cost is $25, and includes admission to the festival's night events following the show. For more information on Basile, please visit www.opabasile.com.

The Greek Orthodox Folk Dance & Choral Festival will be held Thursday, February 12 through Sunday, February 15. Admission is $25 per day. Events are scheduled from:

    * Thursday, February 12 (Opening Ceremonies), 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
    * Friday, February 13, 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
    * Saturday, February 14, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
    * Sunday, February 15, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

For more information on the festival, please visit their website at www.gofdf.org or call 888-FDF-YOUTH.

California cities that will be represented during the competition include: Anaheim, Belmont, Cardiff, Castro Valley, Downey, Fresno, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Marin County, Modesto, Northridge, Oakland, Pasadena, Redondo Beach, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz.

The Greek Orthodox Folk Dance & Choral Festival Ministry is dedicated, through Orthodox Christian Fellowship and committed leadership, to promoting, encouraging and perpetuating Greek heritage and culture among individuals, families and communities expressed in folk dance, folk art, music and language. For more information, please visit their website at www.gofdf.org.