Greek Festival in Carbon County

I spent several enjoyable hours at the Greek Festival in Carbon County on July 12. As a kid, I visited my grandparents and uncles in Helper several times each summer. Grandma still lives in the same house, with the trains rumbling by every so often. I loved the sounds of the trains and the freedom I experienced when my parents would let me walk down to the Gimbels department store.

I was reminded of much of this on my visit to the Greek Fest. Admittedly, I don't visit my grandmother as much as I should now (grandpa passed away many years ago). But people at the Fest fondly remember my family, especially my uncle Tony who was a much admired basketball coach until his life was cut tragically short.

Thanks to the many introductions provided by Andrew (last name withheld to protect the innocent), I met past and current friends of my parents, their siblings, and their children--my cousins. Each person I met was as welcoming as if I was one of those well-known cousins. It is this kind of easy camaraderie that I enjoy most about Price and Helper. Despite the difficult times many in the area have experienced, they are still more than willing to open their minds and hearts to people; or at least to people who may have an inclining of the difficulties and the joys they experience living in Carbon County.

This is, after all, a county built on coal. It can't afford to lose this extractive industry or the unions that ensure that those who do the potentially deadly work are fairly compensated for their efforts.

But my trip to the Greek Fest wasn't about making political speeches. It was about eating great food, watching the Greek dancers and talking to people who would never dream of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a political campaign, but know very well what a difference political leaders can make in their lives.