OJAC to host festival Saturday

By Melinda L. Lucas

Families are invited to celebrate the beginning of Spring Break and a traditional Greek holiday this Saturday, March 12 at the Old Jail Art Center.

Even though the weather is expected to be cooler again this weekend, the OJAC will host games and crafts in the Stasney Center.

“Helidonismata Family Festival: A Greek Celebration of Spring,” geared toward children of all ages, will begin at 12:00 noon and end at 3:00 p.m., with docents, junior docents, and other volunteers helping with activities.

According to Old Jail education director Erin Whitmore, she noticed a print of swallows by Billy Hassell in the museum’s collection and was reminded of the special Greek observance of the return of the swallows, or Helidonia.

“During March, the Greek barn swallows return from their winter travels to make their nests across the country,” said Whitmore. “The dark-colored birds fill the sky with song upon their return, and proceed to make nests of mud under awnings of homes and buildings throughout town.”

Instead of seeing the influx of birds as a nuisance, the Greek people embrace the return of the swallows as a cultural symbol of hope and new beginnings.

“It is actually considered to be lucky if a swallow chooses your home or business to build its nest,” said Whitmore.

Kirsten Hahn, education programs coordinator at the Old Jail, added that Greek children dress up in traditional clothes, have swallow puppets, and sing songs about swallows.

“At this weekend’s family festival, we will have some Greek-inspired food, a lot of crafts involving swallows, and traditional Greek games for the kids,” said Hahn.

The family festival is free and open to the public.